US nuclear plant staffing levels reached a new low in 2002, and would have fallen even further had it not been for increases in security staff following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks.
Average total staffing for 2002 is now 1145 for two-unit plants in the USA - down 2.4% on last year - and 853 for single-unit plants - down 1.5% - including corporate functions and long-term contractors.
Additional security personnel after 11 September, added just over 1%.
It is expected that staffing levels will continue to decline. Within five years, the average plant staffing at a two-unit plant is likely to be just under 1000, and staff numbers at a single-unit plant would be less than 800.
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