The number of UK nuclear jobs has passed 100,000 employees for the first time, highlighting the growing level of activity and investment across the sector.
The increase comes as nuclear power takes an increasingly prominent role in the UK’s plans for energy security and future electricity generation, supported by investment in major projects including Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and new Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
What Is Driving the Increase in Nuclear Jobs?
A significant part of the recent growth has been linked to the construction of Hinkley Point C in Somerset, alongside investment in the next generation of nuclear projects. The impact can already be seen in the South West, where the region now supports 34,084 nuclear jobs, with more than 21,000 added since 2021.
Attention is also shifting towards Sizewell C in Suffolk. Employment connected with the project increased by 62.6% over the past year as it moved further into construction.
At its peak, Sizewell C is expected to support around 17,000 jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships. Approximately 70% of the project’s construction value is also expected to be spent with UK businesses, creating opportunities throughout the wider supply chain.
The growth therefore extends beyond jobs directly involved in operating nuclear power stations. Large nuclear projects require expertise across construction, engineering, manufacturing, technology, project management and other supporting industries.
Small Modular Reactors Form Part of the Next Phase
Another area receiving significant attention is Small Modular Reactors. Great British Energy – Nuclear is progressing plans for three Rolls-Royce SMRs at Wylfa in North Wales, with the programme expected to provide at least 1.4GW of generating capacity.
The project is expected to support around 8,000 jobs across the UK, including approximately 3,000 jobs locally. Since 2023, nearly £900 million of contracts have been awarded through Great British Energy – Nuclear, with more than 70% going to UK-registered companies.
SMRs differ from conventional large-scale nuclear plants because they are designed around smaller, standardised units. The development of this technology forms another part of the UK’s plans to expand nuclear capacity while developing domestic engineering, manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities.
Investment in Fusion Is Also Increasing
Alongside conventional nuclear generation and SMRs, investment is continuing in fusion technology. Nearly 3,000 people are currently employed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority in Oxfordshire, while the Government has committed more than £2.5 billion to fusion over five years.
This includes £1.3 billion for the STEP Fusion programme at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, which aims to develop a prototype fusion power plant by 2040. Other investment is being directed towards research, fuel technology, artificial intelligence, supercomputing and skills development.
The UK is also strengthening its international partnerships in this area. Last week, the UK and US announced two new agreements aimed at accelerating the development of commercial fusion energy.
These include a partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, bringing together expertise in fusion, artificial intelligence and advanced computing. The two countries have also agreed to work more closely on fusion regulation as the technology moves towards potential commercial deployment.
Fusion remains at a much earlier stage than established nuclear generation, but the level of investment and international collaboration demonstrates how the UK is looking beyond current technologies when considering its longer-term energy system.
Nuclear Investment Is Reaching Regions Across the UK
The latest employment figures also highlight the regional impact of the nuclear sector. According to the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), 86% of UK civil nuclear jobs are located outside London and the South East. The North West remains another major centre, with employment reaching 30,445 in 2026 following a 26.7% increase over five years.
Existing nuclear power stations continue to support thousands of roles, while decommissioning, nuclear fuel production and associated supply chains also remain significant sources of employment.
As a result, growth in nuclear investment is increasingly connected not only with electricity generation, but also with regional employment, skills development and opportunities for UK businesses.
What Does This Mean for the UK’s Energy Future?
The latest employment figures reflect the scale of investment currently taking place across the nuclear sector. Renewable technologies such as wind and solar continue to expand, but their output varies according to weather conditions.
Nuclear provides a source of low-carbon electricity that can generate consistently for long periods, which is one reason it features within the UK’s plans for a more secure and lower-carbon electricity system.
There are still challenges. Large nuclear developments require substantial upfront investment and can take many years to plan and construct. The NIA has also called for reforms to nuclear regulation to reduce the cost and delivery times associated with new projects.
However, with Hinkley Point C under construction, Sizewell C progressing, SMRs planned at Wylfa and continued investment in fusion, activity across the sector is increasing.
