EDF has postponed building Hinkley C creating a massive economic uncertainty across Somerset and Bridgwater in particular, according to reports.

Pressure has been building on the French Government funded company with the French economy in trouble, issues over building the reactor and the Chinese Government backers also facing financial problems in the totalitarian Communist state.

Vincent de Rivaz came under pressure from the Bridgwater Mercury last October when he was vigorously questioned at the opening of Cannington Court.

He failed to give a date for the Financial Investment Decision (FID).

That date eventually was given as today, January 27, but reports in the French media say that once again the decision will be put off until February 15, or later.

New nuclear power stations and rail projects are set to drive growth in the construction industry, with 232,000 new jobs expected to be created in the next five years, according to a report.

Annual average growth of 2.5% was predicted by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), but the industry faces an ongoing skills "crisis."

The board called for more apprentices to deal with the increase in business, such as new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Wylfa in north Wales, rail projects including Crossrail and HS2 as well as more housebuilding.

Steve Radley, policy director at the CITB, said: "All types of training, and especially apprenticeships, will be vital to delivering this pipeline of work.

"This positive forecast should inspire more people to start apprenticeships, and more firms to take them on."

Workers most in demand are expected to include carpenters and electricians.

Employment Minister Priti Patel said: "Today's report highlights the great opportunities on offer for people to take advantage of the three million new apprenticeships this Government is delivering."