Nuclear trucks in private move
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III Government drivers responsible for the transport of nuclear materials are to be transferred to the private sector amid accusations that safety is at risk.
Up to 25 vehicle drivers employed by the state-owned UK Atomic Energy Authority are switching to reprocessing company Procord in a deal. that could last for six years.
But environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth fears that the introduction of the profit motive could lead to "corners being cut on safety". Procord denied any risk.
The drivers will be paid their existing wages under their new employer. They will also continue to drive "regular weekly" loads of nuclear waste between UKAEA sites in Winfrith, Dorset; Harwell, Oxon; Windscale, Cumbria; and Dounreay, Caithness, as well as to British Nuclear Fuel sites at Sellafield and Drigg in Cumbria.
UKAEA will retain management of the movements and ownership of the vehicles.
Procord intends to bid for more UKAEA contracts.