Scores of jobs are already being created in the run-up to the planned construction of a new nuclear power plant in Suffolk, according to a tally taken.

Over the last year, local companies in the East of England's nuclear supply chain have created 67 jobs and 11 apprenticeships in the run-up to the expected start of works on Sizewell C at Leiston.

The new nuclear jobs have been recorded by the Sizewell C Consortium, a body representing companies which want to be involved in the project.

They include ones at Ipswich construction consultants Castons which has more than doubled its workforce – taking it from 30 in 2020 to 79 in February 2023.

Great Yarmouth engineering firm Armultra hired 22 workers last year and is looking to take on three apprentices to join the five it has already recruited as part of its nuclear jobs drive.

Force One in March, Cambridgeshire, is recruiting 20 new apprentice-level employees to learn how to operate  remote-controlled excavator machines at a new training centre.

As part of their training, they will receive an HGV licence. The firm has hired 67 people in the last two years.

Nuclear project Hinkley Point C in Somerset has benefited 249 East of England companies which have received more than £1.1bn worth of contracts.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce says it expects that figure to grow significantly as work begins on new nuclear projects including Sizewell C at Leiston.

It predicts thousands of local jobs and apprenticeships will be created across the region as a result of the nuclear build.

Castons director Peter Dring said Sizewell C was "a rare opportunity on our doorstep" to hire and train significant numbers of people.

"For us, it’s really important that local people don’t have to leave to find good work. This is why we’re so committed to upskilling the community – so they can access jobs with us, and work locally.

Steve Carroll of the Sizewell C Supply Chain said: “Right now, Sizewell C is the biggest opportunity we have to grow jobs and skills in the nuclear industry.

"By building on success at Hinkley Point C we’ll be able to harness and grow the UK’s nuclear supply chain – right here in Suffolk."

Ashley Shorey-Mills of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce was it was "incredibly exciting" to see employment growth - but this was only a fraction of what’s to come. 

"As Sizewell C is built, we’re going to see an even more significant rise in job opportunities. This means more and more talent will be able to look to the East for high-quality, well-paid employment."

EDF Energy - the company behind the Sizewell C nuclear plant plans - has joined forces with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to identify and support local businesses which want to become part of the Sizewell C supply chain.

The decision to give the go-ahead to Sizewell C has been contested at a judicial review in the High Court. The case was heard on March 22/23 with judgment - which could take a month or so - pending.

Alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C pointed out most of the 8,000-strong workforce involved in the construction would come from outside the region.

"We question how many genuinely local people will benefit, and are very concerned about the jobs that will be damaged or lost in the existing economy, with businesses suffering through loss of staff to the project and loss of custom, for example in tourism," she said.