ENERGY giant EDF plans to create nearly 2,000 new jobs next year in a drive to complete the £23 billion Hinkley Point C project by the 2026 target date – and at least a third will go to West Somerset workers, the company announced on Tuesday.

More than 1,700 new jobs will bring the total number working on the site to in excess of 7,000 in an attempt to claw back the project which, due to the pandemic, has fallen six months behind schedule. But EDF estimates the project will support a total of 71,000 UK jobs, according to a new report on the scheme’s socio-economic implications.

The report claims that spending with South-West based businesses has already hit £3.2 billion, more than twice the initial target of £1.5 billion, and that:

* During construction, the HPC project is expected to deliver £18 billion into the UK supply chain.

* More than 750 apprentices have been trained already as the project closes in on a target of 1,000.

* 14,000 people have now been trained and assessed in facilities funded by Hinkley Point C.

* The construction skills and innovation centre and the welding centre of excellence are helping local people get the skills they need to join the project.

An EDF spokesman said this week that the new jobs would involve construction, welding, electrical and equipment installation and wider support roles. The Hinkley Point C jobs service is working with Somerset colleges and training providers to make the new roles as accessible as possible to local people.