Union and Fylde coast MPs urge Maritime and Coastguard Agency to consider safety impact of 'savage' cuts

The GMB union has challenged the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to disclose whether it carried out risk assessments before deciding to remove remuneration for thousands of volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, warning the changes could have implications for public safety.

The union has written to Virginia McVea, chief executive of the MCA, requesting the publication of surveys, reports and risk assessments relating to the Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) service.

CROs are volunteers who respond to emergencies, carry out rescues and search for missing people around the UK's coastline. They have traditionally received hourly remuneration for attending incidents and training exercises, but the MCA has now removed those payments following a Court of Appeal ruling.

‘Massive impact’

Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, said: “These savage cuts look like they will have a massive impact on coastguard numbers. Did the MCA consider the dangers that might cause to people's safety before ploughing ahead? The public has a right to know.”

In its letter, GMB said there was "a significant public interest" in understanding the risks identified within the service and how they are being managed, given the crucial role Coastguard Rescue Officers play in protecting lives.

The union has asked the MCA to publish the results of all Coastguard Rescue Officer surveys conducted over the past six months, including those covering wellbeing, recruitment, retention, operational capability and staff engagement. It has also requested copies of any reports, action plans or management responses arising from those surveys.

In addition, GMB wants the agency to release risk assessments covering operational resilience, volunteer recruitment and retention, training and competency, health and safety, volunteer availability, fatigue, workload, wellbeing and wider service delivery risks.

The union has also asked the MCA to explain how it ensures it is meeting its statutory responsibilities, whether any identified risks could affect its ability to carry out those duties, and whether any reviews have assessed whether the current volunteer model provides sufficient resilience and capability for maritime search and rescue operations.

‘Serious implications’

The concerns have also been echoed by MPs representing coastal communities.

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden said he had continued to hear from Coastguard Rescue Officers worried about the impact the changes could have on recruitment and retention.

He said: “Since I first raised this matter, I have continued to hear from Coastguard Rescue Officers who remain deeply concerned about the impact these changes will have. While I recognise the need to respond to the court's judgment, I do not believe enough consideration has been given to the effect these proposals could have on volunteer recruitment and retention.

“Recent reports suggest that significant numbers of Coastguard Rescue Officers are considering leaving the service or reducing the amount of time they are able to volunteer if the payments are withdrawn.

“If that proves to be the case, it would have serious implications for the resilience of the Coastguard at a time when experienced volunteers are needed more than ever. This is particularly important in Fylde, where Coastguard Rescue Officers provide an essential emergency response across a heavily used stretch of coastline."

‘Could have been a lot worse...’

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers also questioned the decision, highlighting the vital role volunteers play along the Fylde coast.

She said: “Coastguard Rescue Officers' play a vital role in keeping our coastal community safe and it is deeply concerning to hear that volunteers will no longer receive remuneration for their life-saving duties.

“In Blackpool North & Fleetwood we know exactly how important our volunteer coastguards are, we see them save lives and go out on hundreds of call outs a year.

“Only last week, Coastguard officers spotted 20 teenagers in the sea off Bispham. While some were able to get out of the water safely, three were taken to hospital. Without our heroic coastguards it could have been a lot worse."

What the MCA said

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "We deeply value and recognise the significant service Coastguard Rescue Officers provide along our coastline.

“We have already been in discussions with PCS – the official trade union representatives for HM Coastguard – over the proposed changes in the Coastguard Rescue Service. We have also been approached by GMB Union and will be engaging with them to try and agree a way forward that does not go against our current recognition agreements."