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Up to 400 workers are at risk of losing their jobs after EDF Energy halted preparation work at the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

An estimated 650 workers are currently working on the project, with 400 potentially facing a 45-day consultation on redundancy. A spokesperson for EDF confirmed that the 400 jobs figure reported by various media outlets 鈥渨as accurate鈥�.

Last week EDF paused site preparation work at the site of the first new nuclear power station in the UK for a generation until a funding deal for the nuclear power station鈥檚 拢16bn construction programme is completed.

Firms appointed to various roles on the mega-project include Laing O鈥橰ourke, Bouygues, Costain, Kier, Bam Nuttall and Dean & Dyball, a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty.

EDF said it had invested significantly in a series of preparatory activities at the Somerset site, including site preparations and roadworks, but that 鈥渁 substantial increase in spending levels鈥� was required before the next phase of work on site and in the associated developments could begin.

It added work would restart 鈥渁s soon as the final investment decision has been made鈥�.

The final investment decision has been repeatedly delayed. It was originally expected as early as 2011, but EDF said in February this year it might only be possible in a matter of months and that it was still finalisng talks with Chinese financial backers.

EDF Energy said that work to ensure the project鈥檚 readiness will continue, including project planning, engineering design and commercial supply chain activities.

Unite national officer for energy Kevin Coyne said: 鈥淭he next government will need to resolve the issues facing Hinkley Point as a matter of urgency, so this important project can remain on track. 

鈥淭he growing energy needs of the UK demand a clear and coherent strategy to provide enough capacity for industry and consumers.鈥�