Sellafield, the Cumbrian nuclear site and the world's largest store of plutonium, has warned that its £2.8bn funding for the next financial year is insufficient, prompting fears over jobs and safety. The site's chief executive, Euan Hutton, told staff that the budget would not cover planned works, leading to 'difficult decisions' on spending.
A spokesperson for Sellafield confirmed that while critical work will continue, some projects will be slowed, paused, or stopped, impacting parts of the supply chain. Internal calculations had forecast a need for at least £3.1bn to meet spending requirements next year, accounting for rising costs.
The GMB union expressed concern over potential safety risks. Senior organiser Dan Gow called for full transparency and urged workers to unionise to protect jobs, rights, and safety. The site employs over 10,000 people and covers two square miles with hundreds of buildings.
This development follows a series of safety and security issues at Sellafield, including cybersecurity failings and a railway wagon crash. The Office for Nuclear Regulation recently lifted special measures on physical security but noted ongoing cybersecurity concerns.
The National Audit Office has estimated the ultimate clean-up cost at £136bn, straining relations with the Treasury as Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeks to tighten spending. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which funds Sellafield, acknowledged that rising inflation means overall funding will be less than this year and insufficient for all planned activities in 2025-26.
