More than 1,500 construction workers at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria are set to begin a work-to-rule campaign over a pay dispute, escalating concerns over further delays and a rising £136 billion project cost.
The move, which starts on Saturday (23 August), will affect 34 contractors across a range of trades, including groundworkers, electricians, welders, pipe-fitters, and riggers.
Work-to-rule involves workers strictly following their contracts and nothing beyond it.
The move follows a ballot where more than 90 per cent supported industrial action.
Unite, the trade union representing the workforce, is demanding Sellafield-specific allowances, already offered at other nuclear sites like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, to reflect the hazardous conditions and specialised skills required at Sellafield.
Employers have so far refused to meet these terms.
The action is aimed at disrupting operations without a full strike, heightening concerns about ongoing delays.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has previously warned that the £136 billion nuclear decommissioning programme project cost – £21.4 billion in 2023-24 prices – which had increased by 18.8 per cent since March 2019, would increase with further schedule overruns.
Ryan Armstrong, Unite’s regional officer said: “This action will inevitably result in work at Sellafield being delayed – but employers forced our hand by refusing to agree to our reasonable demand to other similar sites.
“They need to focus […] on coming up with a viable offer to avoid further escalation.”
The PAC report found that Sellafield has missed most waste retrieval targets, including for the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo, which has been leaking radioactive water since 2018 – “enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool every three years” – keeping it dangerously hazardous for longer.
While the union remains open to negotiations, further escalation, including strike action, is possible if the dispute continues.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham added: “Our members are highly skilled and operate in an extremely challenging environment. Yet employers are refusing to pay rates they’re reasonably asking for.
“The money is there but it needs to find its way to our members to recognise their work and expertise.”
Sellafield Ltd, which manages the Sellafield nuclear site, while not directly involved in the dispute, has assured that safety and security remain a priority at the site.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a dispute involving contractors working at Sellafield who are employed under the NAECI and CIJC Working Rule Agreements. Sellafield Ltd is not directly involved in this dispute.
“As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce, and the local community is our priority.”
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