By Alan Irving

Last updated 11:39, Friday, 11 July 2008

SELLAFIELD workers are in danger of missing out on “a golden goodbye” bonus of up to £2,000 each.

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The 10,000-strong workforce is in line for the payout from BNFL when the nuclear site changes ownership.

But there is a risk of the bonus not being paid if the workforce decides to take industrial action to press their pay claim, it is claimed.

BNFL is ready to pay out nearly £20 million as a loyalty gesture for 37 years of state-run operation as it did for staff at four other nuclear sites including the low level waste repository near Drigg.

They have already received a similar bonus of around £1,500 each as part of site transfers.

Meanwhile, ballot papers are being prepared by the unions asking Sellafield workers to vote in favour of industrial action. They have rejected a two per cent basic pay rise plus the chance to earn another two per cent through efficiency savings.

Sellafield management told its staff that results in the first quarter of the year showed they would be line to earn the extra money.

A staff brief stated: “We are already seeing the benefits from improved and more efficient ways of working that have been delivered by the good work of our employees on the ground.

“These figures prove that with continued dedication and hard work the maximum bonus offered under the scheme is realistically achievable and could mean a total pay increase of four per cent over the year.”

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said: “We are talking to BNFL to establish whether or not such a bonus is likely for our staff and how such a bonus might be affected by the current pay dispute. Any decision will rest with BNFL.”