SUPERMARKET security staff on the look-out for shoplifters could find themselves guarding Britain’s nuclear deterrent at Faslane and Coulport the next day, according to the country’s biggest trade union.
Unite said it was concerned that proposals to privatise the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) will lead to a drop in standards and training, with the potential for adverse repercussions for the security of bases such as those in Scotland.
More than 2000 guard are employed by the MGS providing unarmed security at more than 100 MoD sites – including its main building in Whitehall, London, and naval bases at in Portsmouth and Devonport.
Some aspects of the guarding project are known to be currently under review, with work ongoing to identify improved value for money options.
Safety and security at all MoD sites are given a high priority, especially in times when the threat of terrorism is high, but the organisation does not normally comment on site-specific arrangements.
Mike McCartney, Unite’s national officer for the MoD and government departments, said: “The UK Government is planning to open up the MGS, whose personnel are well-trained, to privatisation.
“Unite wholeheartedly opposes these plans and considers any such proposals are irrational and dangerous to the security, not only of MoD sites but to the security of our service personnel, their families and to all the civilians employed across these sites.
“If these proposals went ahead we could see someone deterring shoplifters at a supermarket on a Sunday then that same person turning up to guard a nuclear site on Monday.
“Employment conditions, training and standards could be compromised in ‘a race to the bottom’ by a private company keen to maximise profit.
“The prospect of an outsourcing company such as G4S, which was in charge during December’s prison riot in Birmingham and responsible for the security fiasco at the 2012 Olympics, taking over the MGS makes the heart sink and should be a matter of serious public concern.
“The MoD believes that by privatising the MGS there could be a saving about £17 million over five years, however, Unite does not believe that these savings could be made.
“We further believe that this is not a cost saving exercise, but merely a ruse so the MoD can meet the Government’s target to axe 30 per cent of the civilian workforce across the whole of the MoD.”
He added: “These controversial plans should be dropped immediately.”
Unite said private security companies would be required to bid on criteria which currently considers them on a ratio of 70 per cent on price and 30 per cent on quality.
The union has met with Nia Griffiths, the shadow defence secretary, who has now tabled a question to Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
It has also made contact with Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency includes Faslane.
She has also written to Fallon and tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling for a debate.
A spokesperson for the MoD said: “We are reviewing the way we provide our guarding at some sites but would never make changes that put safety and security in jeopardy.
“No final decisions have been made and senior staff of the MoD Guard Service, trade unions and security representatives will be engaged in this process.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel