Atomic Weapons Establishment (PROSPECT) Strike Calendar

Members working at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), which maintains the UK’s nuclear deterrent, are set to vote on potential industrial action.

The ballot, opening on January 19, 2026, will determine if staff are willing to take strike action or action short of a strike across AWE sites like Aldermaston and Burghfield.

The action follows a proposed restructuring by AWE that initially involved 400-500 redundancies out of approximately 7,000 roles, a figure that has since increased to a potential 800 redundancies.

Concerns stem from management's alleged errors and inadequate consultation regarding the restructuring, with necessary information reportedly refused.

The union is requesting that AWE halt the current flawed process to engage in a productive dialogue about the organization's future.

The specialized staff involved in vital national security work risk derailing a recent £15bn government investment in a new nuclear warhead programme if the internal chaos continues.

Management failings cited include not providing clear rationale, comprehensive plans, key safety documents, and inconsistent communication regarding job impacts.

These ongoing issues, following prior staffing concerns, have severely damaged morale among the highly skilled workforce critical to nuclear safety.