GMB demands politicians ‘get on with it’ as TUC Congress backs a new generation of plants
Unions have today backed GMB’s call for new nuclear to hit net zero at TUC Congress.
The motion, moved by GMB Union, calls for the construction of a new ‘generation of nuclear plants, benefiting communities from Sizewell to West Cumbria and the development of Small Modular Reactors.’
A massive 800,000 UK manufacturing jobs have been lost in the last 15 years - and the number of renewable energy jobs is falling, Congress heard.
The nuclear sector supports more than 60,000 jobs in its supply chain, and the sector offers one of the highest employment multipliers of any low carbon energy source, GMB said.
The overwhelming vote of confidence in comes ahead of a week of events in Parliament organised by the Nuclear Industry Association, which begins on September 13.
Unions and industry are calling for progress on the Sizewell C project in Sussex, which would support an estimated 25,000 jobs.
GMB said that government and opposition politicians should now get on with agreeing a funding model to deliver Sizewell C and unblock stalled projects at Bradwell, Oldbury, Moorside, and Wylfa Newydd.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said:
“The climate crisis affects us all so we must tackle it together.
“But there can be no net zero without new nuclear.
“The labour movement has sent out a clear message: New nuclear projects like Sizewell C not only create tens of thousands of jobs – they are vital to saving the planet.
“If politicians of all parties are serious about the climate emergency and a green economic recovery they must invest in new nuclear."
