NAO report on nuclear-regulated sites highlights need for investment in skills

The National Audit Office has published a report into projects at nuclear-regulated sites, including the Atomic Weapons Establishment. The report highlights cost overruns and also trouble in sourcing the appropriate skills for certain vital projects.

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, said:

“Procurement is always going to be difficult for projects that demand such high technical specs and levels of safety tolerance.

“It is positive that, as recognised by the NAO, things have improved significantly since 2016. This is in no small part down to nuclear partners, including unions,  working closely with the ONR and MOD together.

“One particular area of concern is the cited difficulty in sourcing appropriately skilled workers which puts unacceptable pressure on those staff delivering the project.

“If civil and military nuclear activity is to be successful we need a pipeline of talent in terms of skills and experience. This demands investment and it demands making proper use of the expertise and workforce knowledge specialist unions such as Prospect can provide.”