Firm scales back nuclear new build operation in Somerset to control costs

EDF's Hinkley Point C

EDF Energy, the firm developing the first of Britain鈥檚 new nuclear power plants at Hinkley Point in Somerset, has confirmed that it is downsizing the number of people working on the project.

The firm said it had taken the decision to downsize as a way of controlling costs. It is understood that 150 jobs were cut from the project last month, bringing the project headcount down to 800, with further jobs now to be culled.

EDF would not say how many further jobs would be lost, but it is understood that the losses will be focused on job support, construction and procurement staff.

In a statement the firm said the move 鈥渞eflects its priorities ahead of securing the financing necessary for the project鈥�.

The firm said: 鈥淎s part of good project management, and to control costs, EDF Energy has taken steps to refocus its activities at its Hinkley Point C project.

鈥淭his reflects its priorities ahead of securing the financing necessary for the project.

鈥淚n this context much activity including further detailed pre-construction engineering work will continue ahead of the later construction phase.

鈥淭his means there will be a reduction in the number of people working on the project for the time being.鈥�

EDF is still in negotiations with the government to agree the price it will receive for electricity from the plant once it is built.

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