HUNDREDS of workers at Hinkley Point C have stood down today over unresolved concerns.

The action short of strike began at 9am this morning and the striking workers claim it concerns fingerprint scanners in a small area on site. They have claimed there are only five scanners serving 13,000 workers on site, but this is strongly denied by EDF, who run the Hinkley Point site. Electricians, pipe fitters and welders are all said to have walked out.

The number of affected workers could be up to 1,600 as the strike action only involves some of the MEH workers on site. MEH has contracted staff doing work on the Hinkley Point site.

Earlier, workers claimed between 2,000 and 6,000 workers had walked out.

One electrician, who spoke anonymously to the Bridgwater Mercury, said that workers were “being taken advantage of.”

The nuclear power station is already behind schedule and is expected to be operational between 2029 to 2031. 

Workers are planning on taking full strike action on Monday, December 2, 2024, as they say they will be blocked from entering the site because of their actions today.

It follows recent strike action which saw EDF workers walk out over pay concerns. 

In response to concerns raised, an EDF spokesperson said: "We are working with our contract partners to understand the concerns raised by a limited number of staff working on site at Hinkley Point C.

"The project is committed to finding a resolution as soon as possible whilst construction continues as normal."