Unite: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority budget raises Sellafield safety concerns

Safety could also be impacted at 16 other Nuclear Decommissioning Authority sites

Safety concerns over the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) budget, which includes Sellafield as well as UK-wide services for nuclear waste and restoration, have been raised by Unite, the UK's leading union.

The NDA group is responsible for decommissioning and cleaning up 17 nuclear sites. The group's key operating companies include Sellafield, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) and Nuclear Waste Services (NWS).

The CEOs of all the operating companies have all stated that their current budgets are not enough to provide full services.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is extremely concerned that UK's workers at Sellafield, NRS and NWS could be put at risk through efforts to cut costs. If the NDA budget isn't fit for purpose, the government needs to increase it. Unite will not tolerate attacks on our members' jobs or any changes that could jeopardise their health and safety.”

Unite national officer Simon Coop said: “Sellafield, NRS and NWS must fully consult with Unite before taking any steps that could endanger workers or impact their jobs, pay or conditions. We will not hesitate to defend our members if actions are taken that put them at risk.”