AROUND 400 workers at the Hinkley Point C site will be told they are no longer required as work is scaled back, EDF have confirmed.

The workers, all from external contractors, will not be needed as the energy giant says it will not invest in the next phase of works until the £20billion power station gets the green light.

There are currently 650 workers on site with 250 EDF workers expected to remain. However the French energy firm say they will work with the contractors to help those affected find other employment. It is thought that the English and French Governments are aiming to have a deal in place by June but EDF say they are no longer willing to continue funding work on the site until an agreement has been reached.

A statement from EDF said: “EDF Energy has carried out extensive work with its contract partners to make the Hinkley Point C project ready for a final investment decision.

“The company has invested significantly in a series of preparatory activities including site preparations (earthworks, drainage works and culvert construction, concrete production facilities and welfare facilities) and roadworks.

“These works are now nearing completion. The next phase of work on site and in the associated developments will require a substantial increase in spending levels, and will begin as soon as the final investment decision has been made.”

However work in areas around the site such as Taunton Rd/Broadway in Bridgwater, the Washford Cross roundabout in West Somerset and the Cannington bypass will be completed on schedule.

The news came only hours after workers at Hinkley B were prevented from entering the site due to a handful of protesters blocking the site entrance by chaining themselves together. In the meantime work to ensure the Hinkley C project’s readiness will continue, including project planning, engineering design and commercial supply chain activities.

Somerset County Council did not wish to comment.