Published at 15:46, Wednesday, 03 February 2010

ANOTHER 16 Hertel construction workers have been made redundant at Sellafield, added to the 17 announced last week.

Eleven of the latest lay-offs are asbestos specialists working on the decommissioning of Calder Hall power station.

A Sellafield spokesman said yesterday: “The asbestos removal project was one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Its success means that the asbestos which had to be removed has now gone and so the project is coming to a natural end.

“While it is unfortunate when people are laid off, the nature of the contracting industry dictates that jobs – particularly specialist roles – will start and end and the contracting companies will adjust their numbers accordingly.”

Hertel’s regional director Ian Dalgarno said: “It is necessary to make some difficult decisions when times are quiet but we will continue to bid for work on the Sellafield site. Whenever possible we try to offer alternative opportunities to workers.”

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk