Nuclear Energy Contractors
Becoming a nuclear energy contractor at Sellafield or Capenhurst
With more than 10,000 employees and 3,400 contractors working at Sellafield and Capenhurst at any given time, it’s not hard to see why these sites are a magnet for IT contractors, Interim Managers, Project Management Consultants and of course engineering contractors. What’s more, with the current Government targets to reduce fossil fuel power stations, now could be an excellent time to get into the nuclear fuel industry for the first time - if you are not already working in this very specialist and complex arena.
Sellafield handles the decommissioning and demolition of redundant facilities; the storage of low, intermediate and high level nuclear waste; and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel – whilst Capenhurst mainly focuses on the decommissioning and the dismantlement of historic enrichment facilities. In addition to these two larger sites there is also Risley, which provides additional engineering capability to Sellafield and also undertakes a range of supporting business functions.
The Sellafield website has a wealth of information regarding current vacancies and selection processes, as well as details of their very strict security and work permit procedures. In addition, if you are interested in finding contract work with any employer of this type, then there are a number of specialist recruitment agencies out there. These include Matchtec and Hays which, along with job boards like Technojobs, have hundreds of nuclear energy vacancies and contract positions on their books.
There are two main options for contractors. You can either set up your own limited company, or you can operate through an umbrella company. There are pros and cons to each - but if you’re looking for the greatest amount of take-home pay, then any accountant will tell you that contracting through your own limited company is the most tax efficient option. It might require a little more administration on your part, but the 10,000 contractor clients which we already have - all of whom trade through their own limited companies - are a testament to the fact that the extra 15 or 20 minutes a week administration that’s needed is well worth the effort.
If you would like more information about how to go limited, click here to read our simple three step guide.
Our contractor careers section has some great hints and tips on CV writing and interview techniques, as well as ways to get an edge over your competitors! Which will be useful especially if you’ve been out of the job-hunting market for some time.
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies handy:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Take home pay case studies - Examples of contractors using a ltd co. & umbrella co.
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
If you have any questions at all about contracting, or would like any further advice, please call our New Client Services Team on 0500 152 500 / 01442 232700 or email michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com.
