Nuclear rebirth will bring more skilled jobs to the North West

GLOBAL engineering and digital services company Assystem; a key partner in the UK's mission to deliver 8 new nuclear power plants and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; is seeking 450 engineers, technicians, and project managers to build the next generation of nuclear power within the UK.

The North West is a key Regional centre for nuclear skills and now the company is looking to attract more than 120 qualified and experienced individuals to contribute to the safe and efficient decommissioning of nuclear technologies, which will create more long term, high quality roles in counties such as:- Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria.

Additionally, Assystem is looking to fill dozens of roles in new nuclear. The company is supporting the development of Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and will be expanding its team in the North West to meet a growing demand for skilled engineers in this sector.

Assystem has its UK headquarters in Blackburn, and is focused on coupling its established engineering expertise with digital solutions to accelerate the delivery of the low carbon projects that will drive Britain's energy transition. The company is seeking candidates who are committed to the clean energy switch and will appeal to climate conscious talent via its new 'Switch On' brand identity. New employees will have the opportunity to join the 'Switchers' community and play a vital role in the projects that are at the heart of the UK Energy Security Strategy.

As an equal opportunities employer, the business champions diversity in the workplace and offers a dynamic approach to skills and career development. Its inclusive and collaborative working culture, innovative social policy and promotion of employee wellbeing and fulfilment provide an attractive package for its employees.

Engineering and digital technical roles available include:- mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, design engineers and project managers. Opportunities are also open to STEM graduates looking to enter the nuclear industry where Assystem is offering a rewarding career in this fast moving and exciting sector.

In 2022 Assystem has 450 roles to fill across a range of energy transition projects in the UK, including on new nuclear projects such as the commissioning of Hinkley Point C, the UK's 1st nuclear power plant since 1995.

The company also has roles focused on the development of pioneering new hydrogen infrastructure and fusion energy technologies as well as major transport and infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the Thames Tideway.

Assystem UK Managing Director Simon Barber said:- "A new nuclear fleet will provide thousands of long term secure jobs and vital energy security while reducing reliance on carbon intensive fossil fuels. These plants will provide stable and abundant low-carbon power for decades to come. Decommissioning is the final stage in the nuclear lifecycle, and it's the next generation of skilled digital innovators who will deliver inventive solutions in this sector; the bulk of which will take place in the North West."

Applicants interested in joining a company that is working at the heart of the global energy transition can find the full range of vacancies at:- Jobs.Assystem.Com/EN/.

Shrinking Safety Nets: Working families raid savings to meet the demands of rising living costs

28% of working households with savings have started dipping into them to meet rising living costs, according to a report from Legal and General. A further 30% anticipate they will need to do so in the next year.

With consumer prices 10.1% higher in July 2022 than a year before, and with annual household energy costs set to rise to an average £2,500 in October 20223, many households will likely have to rely even more on the money they have tucked away. This could see household savings built up during the Pandemic lost.

The average working household currently has £2,400 in savings. However, this equates to less than a month of basic expenditure for the average family, if they lost their income and were pushed to rely on their savings.

When looking at financial security the report found that households estimate they need £12,100 to feel financially secure, or nearly 5 months worth of basic household expenses, set aside. However, only 30% of working households have this set aside, and pressure to dip into savings will likely see this number fall.

Based on current savings patterns, with the average working household saving just over £300 a month, it would take 3 years to reach the desired financial safety net, and 9 years to put aside a year's worth of essential spending. However 64% of all households that currently save have either already decreased or stopped their savings habit altogether (31%), or expect to have to do so (34%), due to increased living costs.

There is also a growing number of people who cannot put aside any money, neaving them no safety net. The studdy found nearly 1.9 million households have no money left at the end of the month, an increase of 330,000 since 2020. This is likely why 16% of households have no savings at all in case of emergency.

Bernie Hickman, CEO, Legal and General Retail told the media that:- "With the cost of basic essentials on the rise many households will find themselves having to make difficult choices and dipping into savings is likely to become more common. This is a far cry from the 5 month financial safety net that people hope for. It can be concerning for people to feel like they have nothing to fall back on in times of difficulty. While dipping into savings is inevitable for some, there are also steps people can take to try to control their costs as much as possible by checking their regular outgoings and subscriptions, shopping around for discounts and deals and by making sure they are taking up free financial guidance services like Money Helper. To help people better understand their money and make informed decisions, we have put together a financial safety net content hub to help people find free tools and resources."