GDF will create 4,000 jobs and boost local community, says report

The construction of a Geological Disposal Facility, which will safely and securely store radioactive waste deep underground, will create more than 4,000 local jobs and significantly boost the local community, says a new report from Nuclear Waste Services.

The report “GDF – Creating Jobs & Skills: A First Look” sets out how the GDF programme, which would be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK, would create thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs within the first 25 years alone.

The local community, which is yet to be chosen, would receive economic investment and opportunities through the 175 year lifetime of the GDF.

Prospect, which represents members at NWS, has welcomed the report. Sue Ferns, Prospect senior deputy general secretary, said:

“The creation of such a large number of skilled, long-term, local jobs is exactly what is needed for the UK to achieve the government’s levelling up aspirations. It will benefit a multi-generational workforce and provide a significant boost to local communities.”

Karen Wheeler, Nuclear Waste Services deputy chief executive and major capital programmes director, said:

“The long-term nature of the project provides a unique opportunity to develop skills, expertise and sustainable jobs for a local community.

“We are now making real progress and having conversations with a number of communities about the potential for them to host a GDF.”

Read the full report from NWS.