G4S has been selected as the principal security provider for Sizewell C, the 3.2GW nuclear power station currently under construction on the Suffolk coast. The company will be responsible for securing the main construction sites as well as a range of off-site infrastructure, including the bus operations centre—home to the hydrogen-powered bus fleet—two park and ride sites, and an accommodation campus.
At peak activity, G4S expects to employ up to 350 personnel, with the majority to be recruited locally. Over the duration of the contract, approximately 300 apprenticeships are anticipated to be completed, covering qualifications from level 2 to degree level 7. G4S already has 220 staff working across Sizewell C locations, 14 of whom are currently undertaking apprenticeships.
The company also manages security operations at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power project in Somerset. Drawing on this experience, G4S intends to implement advanced security systems and technology at Sizewell C, including the deployment of around 300 Enhanced Security Officers (ESOs).
James Self, Account Director for G4S at Sizewell C, stated: “We are really proud to be a trusted partner for this vital project and we are committed to playing our part in having a significant positive impact on the local community. We are investing in developing our people to ensure they get the most out of their careers at Sizewell C. We have employed people from a wide range of backgrounds who haven’t worked in security before, but have transferable skills and we provide the training they need.
“The security solutions deployed will encompass cutting-edge systems and security technology—many of which have been tried and tested successfully at Hinkley Point C—and around 300 Enhanced Security Officers (ESOs).
“Whenever possible and applicable, we will use what we have learnt at Hinkley Point C to bring the greatest benefit to this project, whether that’s the use of the best technology and systems, or the highest quality training and development for our people.”
Roles within the physical security team will include supervisors, team leaders, and duty security managers. A central control room will serve as the hub for incident and emergency management on site, facilitating security communications and task coordination. This control infrastructure will meet nuclear site regulatory standards and include high-security data storage capabilities, supported by local suppliers and maintained by a dedicated team of local experts and engineers.
Sizewell C is one of the UK’s largest clean energy infrastructure projects, designed to provide low-carbon electricity to six million homes for at least 60 years. The project is expected to prevent nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. In total, it will create around 1,500 apprenticeships and support thousands of jobs across the UK, with 70% of its construction value expected to benefit British suppliers. So far, it has generated £2.5 billion in contracts for nearly 300 UK businesses and aims to invest £4.4 billion in the East of England during the construction phase.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director, said: “G4S bring the very highest level of safety and security to all our sites in Suffolk, making an important contribution in helping us deliver this incredible project for the UK. This project is creating thousands of job opportunities here in Suffolk and across the UK – and this new contract will create hundreds more new opportunities over the next decade of construction.”