The UK civil nuclear sector now employs more than 100,000 people for the first time, according to the latest figures from the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

Its annual Jobs Map shows the industry has grown by 67% over the past five years, from 61,371 jobs in 2021 to 102,606 in 2026. Employment increased by 4,433 since 2025 alone.

The NIA says this surge has been driven primarily by construction at Hinkley Point C and government investment in new nuclear projects. Sizewell C, in which the government has a 45% equity stake, has seen a 62.6% increase in jobs over the past year and 1,500 apprentices will be created during construction.

Project Gwyndod, Great British Energy-Nuclear's development of Rolls-Royce SMRs' first European small modular reactor on Anglesey, is set to create a further 8,000 jobs across the UK, including 3,000 locally. Existing operational nuclear stations across the UK support around 5,000 jobs.

The UK also hosts a world-leading hub for nuclear fusion in Oxfordshire, where nearly 3,000 people are employed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The government has backed a fusion demonstrator at the old West Burton coal-fired station in Nottinghamshire and committed £2.5 billion to UK Fusion Energy and UKAEA over the next five years.

Beyond new-build projects, decommissioning also supports thousands of jobs across England, Scotland and Wales, which bring critical skills and investment to local communities.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The nuclear sector continues to be a critical engine of growth and investment outside of London and the South-East. Nuclear’s unique footprint creates tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs in every part of this country, especially in coastal communities that need them most.

“It is now critical that the UK government implements reforms of nuclear regulation in full to unlock further growth and job creation while cutting the cost and schedule of new nuclear projects. Achieving this is essential for our energy security.”

Energy will be the focus of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering’s annual Parliamentary Reception, taking place at the house of Commons on Monday 26 October. Speakers will include Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee and Andrew Bowie MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (acting at the time of the reception). The event’s headline partner is National Grid with supporting partner Autodesk. Book your place here