Lack of HSE inspectors theatens nuclear plans

Prospect, the union which represents HSE inspectors, says the HSE has “gone beyond the critical mass at which it is capable of performing the functions that the public and politicians expect of it”.

According to the union, the HSE now has just 3,500 staff – one-fifth fewer than in 2003 – with the number set to reach 3,100 by next April.

In the nuclear industry, the shortage of HSE inspectors could threaten the government’s plans to build new reactors. Leaked papers obtained by the Guardian newspaper last month revealed that an extra 35 inspectors are needed if new reactor designs are to be adequately evaluated.