To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff there were at AWE Burghfield in each year since 2003; and what the reasons were for changes in the levels of staffing. (211503)

The number of full-time equivalent staff employed by AWE plc at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Burghfield is shown in the following table. The figures are taken as at the end of March in each year.

The increase in staffing levels over the past years is consistent with the Government’s commitment to take forward a programme of investment in sustaining key skills and facilities at AWE. The investment will ensure that the existing Trident stockpile can be maintained throughout its intended in-service life and that it remains reliable and safe.