Nuclear industry expansion 'could create thousands of jobs' - 26-03-2008 - 10:52

Calls have been made to expand Britain's nuclear industry, and create thousands of jobs in the process.

The business secretary John Hutton will say in a speech today that with the expansion of the nuclear sector, 100,000 jobs could be created and £20 billion added to the economy.

Mr Hutton will say today: "There has never been a greater global demand for finance, equipment and skills to build and operate nuclear power stations."

He will add that he wants Britain to be "leading the world" in the development and application of a new generation of low carbon power technology.

Dougie Rooney, from the union Unite has backed Mr Hutton, describing the nuclear potential as a "fantastic opportunity" for the manufacturing industry.

The nuclear industry currently employs an estimated 40,000 workers in the UK.

Meanwhile, during the visit of the French President Nicholas Sarkozy, prime minister Gordon Brown is expected to agree a deal on the construction of new power stations.

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