More than 200 workers who are employed in enriching uranium at Urenco’s facility at Capenhurst, Cheshire, have voted to strike over pay, according to Unite the Union.
The union said workers in the GMB union had also voted in favour of industrial action over pay.
Urenco is a private company owned in thirds by the UK Government, the Dutch Government and two German utility firms. It is the leading Western enricher of uranium.
The union added that Annual pay negotiations between Unite and Urenco had previously been based on the retail price index (RPI) rate of inflation for the previous September, which was 4.5% in 2025.
“Despite record orders of €27.3bn (£23.3bn), profits (Ebitda) of €221.8M (£189.6M) and €12.9M (£11.03M) in net income, Urenco has put forward an offer of only 4.1%, which has been rejected by the workers,” Unite said in a statement.
“Strikes that will severely impact Urencos UK operations will be announced in the coming days.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Urenco is hugely profitable and can more than afford to put forward a pay offer that meets these workers’ expectations.
“Unite is backing them 100 per cent in their demands for an acceptable pay offer.”
Unite regional officer Brian Troake said: “Urenco’s UK operations generated huge operating profits.
“Industrial action can still be avoided, but that will require an improved offer from the company.”
GMB regional organiser Steve Boden said: “Urenco have dragged out negotiations for months while our members go without a pay rise.
“They’ve been left with no choice but to go with the nuclear option and vote for strike action.
“These are high skilled workers in a strategically vital industry for the UK; they deserve a real pay rise.
“It’s time for Urenco to de-escalate and make an improved offer.”
A Urenco spokesperson told NCE: “Urenco believes in investing in employees through a strong overall pay and benefits package which is competitive both locally and nationally. Over the last three years, pay award values have totalled 24.2% (this has been paid in addition to salary increments and associated bonus and shift payments and the extension of private medical and dental benefits to all employees).
“Urenco values its positive and constructive relationships with its recognised trade unions. In the spirit of negotiation and good relations, the company made a best and final offer of 4.1% during pay discussions. This pay offer was accepted by members of Prospect, but rejected by members of Unite and GMB.”
They added: “Members of Unite and GMB within the collective bargaining unit have indicated a preference for a 4.5% deal (in addition to salary increments) linked to the RPI* figure for September 2025. RPI has not been consistently used as a pay mechanism at Capenhurst and is being phased out nationally as an accurate measure of inflation. The live pay offer is above the CPI figure for September 2025.
“A large proportion of employees will not be participating in any industrial action and so, for the most part, the business will be operating as usual. All safety, security and regulatory requirements will continue to be met.
“Urenco must continue to manage costs responsibly to support future investment in the site and we believe the live offer remains fair and competitive, both locally and nationally.”
The UK Government has previously issued positive statements about unionised workers in the nuclear sector and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns as a non-executive board member.
Prospect represents workers in the nuclear sector, as well as the wider energy and defence sectors; science, climate and environment; and gender equality sectors.