A MAJOR cash and jobs boost is on the cards locally in newly-agreed nuclear contract.

Sellafield Ltd says that the 10-year package of investment is worth up to £500 million, including jobs, apprenticeships, work for small and medium-sized businesses, and community benefits. 

Those who win contracts with Sellafield Ltd in the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership must deliver the benefits or face a financial penalty if they do not. 

Among the pledges firms must contractually adhere to is a 'local first' recruitment approach including 150 jobs to 'under-represented or disadvantaged' people, create up to 240 new apprenticeships and provide training, social outreach and business mentoring. 

The detail of how the community benefits will be rolled out it still to be agreed. 

Firms involved include Energy Solutions EU Ltd, Hertel UK Ltd, North West Projects Ltd, Westlakes Engineering Ltd, Shepley Engineers, James Fisher Nuclear, React Engineering, Jacobs Stobbarts, Westinghouse Electric Company UK and WYG Engineering Ltd.