"UK Airports Meltdown"

Sunday, February 9, 2003

AIRPORTS MELTDOWN
United Kingdom - The Sunday Mirror


AIRPORTS will be thrown into chaos by new security measures designed to
combat terrorism.

Ministers want to introduce a complete ban on people with convictions for
even minor offences, such as criminal damage, from working at airports.

The new measures will mean that all existing airport staff, including ground
crew, security workers and cleaners, will face strict vetting. Those with a
criminal past face the sack. Only people with driving convictions will be
exempt from the crackdown.

The new vetting process is likely to slow down normal procedures to such an
extent that there will be long delays for passengers.

The move is part of an international review of aviation security being
drafted by Home Secretary David Blunkett and Transport Secretary Alistair
Darling.

Major airlines, such as British Airways, will discuss the plans with unions
this week.

But last night an airport worker said: "These new measures will spell
meltdown for the British aviation industry. We will face a serious shortage
of personnel."

Last week the British Airports Authority announced its intention to hire an
extra 750 guards, at a cost of pounds 7million, to increase security at its
seven airports. The recruitment drive will bring the number of extra
security staff hired since September 11 to 1,500.

BAA said they were needed to reduce queues at checkpoints and carry out
secondary searches.

A Whitehall spokesman said: "Security arrangements are under constant review
and are subject to regular adjustments as and when necessary."


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