"UK airport staff not checked for terror link"

Sunday, August 3, 2003

Airport staff not checked for terror link
United Kingdom - The Mail on Sunday


BRITAIN'S airports are being manned by security staff who have not been
checked for terrorist links.

As many as 750 new staff are on duty at airports, including Heathrow,
Gatwick and Glasgow, without full clearance.

Their duties include frisking passengers for weapons and explosives and
searching bags.

Now the Government has been accused of failing to live up to its promises to
shore up airport security after September 11.

Last night airport operator BAA said a 'proportion' of new staff had begun
work without the statutory counter-terrorist check being completed.

The admission came after senior airport security sources told The Mail on
Sunday that a Middle East national had been employed as a security guard at
Heathrow Terminal 1, where the Israeli airline El Al is based. He has now
been moved to less sensitive duties in Terminal 2 until he receives
counter-terrorist clearance.

The revelations appear to contradict BAA security director Ian Hutcheson's
evidence to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee last year when he
said no security staff could start work without a complete background check.

He told the committee: 'Anyone employed in security has to go through a
vigorous check, give five years' proof of employment, subject themselves to
a counter-terrorist check and then they are given basic training.'

A BAA spokesman insisted: 'All our security staff undergo counter-terrorist
checks.

Government rules allow for newlytrained security staff to work under direct
supervision on security duties while full clearances are awaited.'

However, a Department for Transport spokesman admitted: 'This process can
sometimes take a little while to complete.'

Patrick Mercer, Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, said: 'Uncleared
staff working under supervision is wholly inadequate.

'The Government must act urgently to check these staff and remove any who
pose a threat.' BAA is currently recruiting hundreds of new security guards
at GBP7.47 an hour plus shift pay.

Its job advertisements read: 'Our commitment to giving safety and security
the highest priority means that we recruit staff who are confident, vigilant
and in control.'


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