Reservoir build at Abingdon would create 1,000 jobs

A proposed new mega reservoir at Abingdon in Oxfordshire would create around 1,000 jobs during the construction phase, according to analysis for Thames conducted by not-for-profit workforce consultancy NSAR.

The work found 930 construction, design and management roles would be required to support the building phase of the new water storage facility. The total number of jobs could rise to 1,340 at peak construction in 2031/32. These will span 28 occupational groups and 166 occupations, including in logistics, plant operations, surveying and civil engineering.

In other Abingdon news last week, Thames invited suppliers interested in delivering the major earthworks programme to take part in a supplier engagement exercise.

The reservoir will help secure water supplies for 15 million people across the south east of England. A public consultation is underway, closing on 28 August.