Ed Miliband has confirmed the government will deliver a full implementation plan within three months for the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce’s recent review recommendations, signalling a rapid timetable for regulatory change across the UK nuclear programme. The taskforce’s work is expected to affect licensing and consenting pathways for new large-scale reactors and small modular reactors, with direct implications for design approvals, site investigations and construction sequencing. Civil and geotechnical teams on nuclear projects should anticipate tighter programme constraints and potential revisions to safety case documentation and regulatory interfaces in early 2026.

UK net zero building targets for 2030 and 2050 are at risk, with a House of Commons energy security and net zero committee report warning of a shortfall of at least 250,000 construction workers for new housing alone, plus large numbers for retrofit. MPs call for a nationally recognised, industry-backed construction and retrofit skills programme, expanded “try-before-you-buy” training, and targeted public funding to support SMEs in taking on inexperienced trainees. The report also flags likely short‑term reliance on importing specialist skills unless domestic completion and retention rates in construction FE improve sharply.

The Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) has appointed 16 training and mining subject matter experts to a new strategic panel to steer national qualifications and competency standards. The group will advise on technical content for trades such as mobile plant mechanics, drill and blast operators and underground production roles, directly influencing units of competency and assessment requirements. For mine operators and contractors, the panel’s work will shape future training packages, apprenticeship structures and skills recognition across both surface and underground operations.