Security blitz to get airports staffed up for summer rush
GRANT Shapps has streamlined security checks for new airport recruits in a bid to avoid summer passenger chaos.
The Transport Secretary said staff counter-terrorism checks now take 10 days, down from 20 in March.
It comes as the industry scrambles to re-hire workers after laying people off during the pandemic – British Airways alone ditched 10,000 workers.
Grant Shapps
Staff including X-ray screeners, coach drivers and maintenance engineers will be allowed to train while waiting for security clearance to be confirmed.
Mr Shapps said: “The Government is doing its bit to help deliver for passengers. Now the industry must fulfil its responsibilities.”
But Unite union boss Sharon Graham said public pandemic money “was handed to firms without any strings attached –
they did not protect jobs”.