By Alan Irving

Last updated 16:02, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

THREE Sellafield workers have been suspended after allegedly assaulting an apprentice in a restricted operating area of the site.

It is believed the young man was “taped up” in a control room and this is the nature of the allegation.

Two fitters and an electrician have been suspended as a result of the incident which took place recently in WAMAC – the waste management and compaction plant.

They have since been told to stay away from work pending a police investigation. This is being carried out by the nuclear industry’s own police force, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

The incident which took place in the plant’s electrical switch room left the apprentice distressed. After returning home he wrote to his Sellafield boss complaining about what happened.

Sellafield Ltd said yesterday: “We are aware of an allegation which was made by an apprentice recently. The company takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and we have started an investigation in conjunction with our colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

“We can confirm that three workers have been suspended pending the completion of the investigation. No disciplinary action has been taken and any decisions on this will not be made until this investigation has concluded.”

The Whitehaven News understands that mobile phones used by the three workers involved have been checked by the police.

A Sellafield employee who was aware of the details told The Whitehaven News: “You expect a little bit of banter when you are serving your time but this seems to have gone too far.”

Another workforce source said: “This could have been horseplay which got out of hand.”

The incident is regarded as an isolated one rather than any sustained bullying. The apprentice, who is employed by Gen II, has worked at Sellafield for some time.

The craft union Unite are representing the suspended workers and also the apprentice.

“We will be looking after the interests of all four fairly and equally,” said spokesman Mike Rogan. “There have been accusations and counter accusations, obviously something happened but we will have to let the investigation run its course.”