Nugen has denied claims around 2,000 Eastern Europeans will be employed to build the planned nuclear power station at Moorside.
The rumours, published on a website, claimed a NuGen employee had confirmed the statement.
However, NuGen said this was "incorrect'' stating the rumour had been "put out to cause an issue''.
However, they recognised that 4,000 outside workers coming into the area is "of concern to some residents''.
John McNamara, head of corporate communications at Nugen, said: "NuGen’s focus is to employ as many local people as possible through all phases of the Moorside project.
"During construction we estimate this might be as many 2,500 local people – the final figure will only be limited by the numbers of people available, and willing to work with us in suitable roles.
"In preparation for this NuGen has already stated we will work with local training providers on preparing the local community to work with us, where possible."
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