Demand drives up pay rates for nuclear jobs

A DEARTH of engineering professionals suited for work on nuclear decommissioning projects is causing sharp pay inflation in the sector.

That’s according to Manchester-based Project Resource, a recruitment agency operating in the construction and engineering sectors.
 
Some 12 UK nuclear sites, including Sellafield, are being decommissioned with contracts that will run for 14 years.

According to Project Resource, basic salaries for qualified engineering professionals in the sector increased by 10% in 2012, with average salaries now £45,000 a year. This compares with average pay inflation across the UK of just 1.4% in the same period.
 
Project Resource said staff shortages are exacerbated by the fact it is difficult to hire foreign workers because of security clearances.

Simon Griffiths, regional manager at Project Resource, said: “Salaries for those with relevant experience and suitable work eligibility in the nuclear sector have seen inflation-busting pay increases.
 
“With the first of a planned new generation of nuclear power plants in Somerset gaining recent approval from the UK Government, it is likely that demand for qualified staff will accelerate. One of the ways that firms are competing to hire available staff is by making company bonus schemes more attractive to permanent staff.”