Coronavirus update from Hinkley Point C - 8 April

Last week I said I would keep the community up to date with measures Hinkley Point C is taking to keep the community and our remaining workforce safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Here is the latest information.

The number of workers on site is being reduced as planned and we will have fewer than 2,000 on site after this week. The reduction from more than 4,000 was done to make social distancing possible. Work is focused on a limited number of critical areas on site and at Combwich where the same strict controls will be in force as on site.

I know that there was some concern about the movement of workers. We have brought in 60 extra buses to enable distancing so that services can run only 30% full. Our drivers are being protected with screens and other safety measures. The move we announced to concentrate bus pick-ups on our controlled park and rides sites is almost complete. We are reminding workers lodged in the local community that moving to our Campus accommodation is a requirement and we are providing this accommodation at no charge.

Many other measures like temperature checks, extra cleaning, hand sanitisers, more space in canteens – and even toilets - remain in place.  Like people all across the country and in the community, workers at Hinkley Point C have shown great personal responsibility in adapting to new behaviours. We will keep listening to our workers, unions and the community and where we can improve, we will.

We are continuing to follow Government and Public Health England advice and we work under the oversight of our independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Today the ONR has said that it is assured that control measures in place at Hinkley Point C are appropriate.

I know that there are many in the community that depend on Hinkley Point C for their livelihoods through the excellent Somerset companies that provide our food, accommodation and transport. We will continue to support those companies and their workers throughout the crisis. 

I know these are worrying times. If you have any concerns, please contact me or my colleagues. I sincerely wish you and your families the very best for Easter and I will update you again in the near future.
 
Nigel Cann
Construction Delivery Director, Hinkley Point C