Sellafield contractors start work to rule

Unite says about 1,500 contractors at the site are members

Union members at the Sellafield site have begun industrial action, involving working to rule, in a long-running dispute about specialised pay.

Unite has accused contractors at the Cumbria plant of refusing requests for "site specific allowances" relating to those working on advanced technologies projects.

The workers range from electricians, joiners, pipefitters, riggers, groundworkers, welders and painters as well as other construction roles.

Sellafield Ltd said it did not directly employ those affected but "safety and security" would be its priority.

Under a work‑to‑rule there it no outright stoppage but employees carry out their jobs strictly to contract terms and safety procedures.

The union says a slow-down in construction and maintenance work could further delay the progress of the site's decommissioning and clean-up work, which is already behind schedule.