UNIONS are threatening industrial action over job losses at the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL).

Sixty-seven voluntary redundancies were confirmed this week at NNL, affecting workers at its facilities at Sellafield (in the central lab and in B13) and Workington. Those taking voluntary redundancy are expected to leave next week, and a further 17 compulsory redundancies are also on the cards, and if confirmed, the staff are likely to go before Christmas. NNL says it is “continuing to mitigate against this”.

Steve Gibbons, Unite’s regional officer, said the workers are represented by Unite, Prospect and GMB, and all three unions “have not ruled out balloting members for industrial action”.

Mr Gibbons added: “There has been no meaningful consultation by NNL’s management – this is simply a cost-cutting exercise.

“It is people’s worst fear to lose their job just before Christmas – and it is unacceptable behaviour by the company.”

A spokesman for NNL said: “The cost savings that we initially set out to make have not been fully achieved through the voluntary programme, hence the need to look at possible compulsory redundancies. It remains essential that we protect the key skills needed by the business to ensure our success in 2016 and beyond.

“We have no direct comment on what the unions are considering. However, we have been and continue to consult with GMB, Prospect and Unite in relation to the potential compulsory redundancies in addition to consulting with potentially affected individuals.”