Coronavirus update from Hinkley Point C - 23 April

I said that I would keep the community up to date with information from Hinkley Point C during the Coronavirus pandemic. Here’s the latest on the current situation.

Firstly safety of the community and our workers remains of paramount importance. We only continue to operate because we have made safe working possible by significantly reducing our workforce  and bringing in many measures to prevent the spread of infection. These measures are now fully implemented and our remaining workforce has adapted quickly to new ways of working. For example, buses were identified as a potential pinch point. Our buses are running with effective social distancing, bus drivers are protected with screens. Coaches where screens can’t be used have been taken out of service, 60 replacement buses have been brought in,  and we have stopped all pick-ups outside of our controlled park and rides and campus sites.

We continue to operate with Government support and we are following the advice of Public Health England. Safety on site is scrutinised by the independent regulator the Office for Nuclear Regulation which believes we have taken appropriate steps. As the situation develops over the coming weeks and months, numbers on site will continue to be judged by the latest advice and our ability to ensure safety.

Our aim is to manage the project in a responsible way so that the region and country can emerge from the crisis as strongly as possible. That includes continuing to support apprentices and local job opportunities. It means standing by our Somerset suppliers so that they can keep paying their local employees. I am pleased that we have been able to offer support to the local NHS and emergency services.

Like you, we wait to see what happens as the pandemic progresses. We will listen to and keep in touch with the community and local Government leaders. When we have new information or when decisions are taken that affect the project and community, we will keep you informed.

Nigel Cann
Construction Delivery Director, Hinkley Point C

Social distancing on the Hinkley Point C construction site

Screens erected in canteens to facilitate effective social distancing

Body temperature scanners in action on-site