Public and Commercial Services Union
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Latest figures confirm coastguard staffing crisis

The understaffing crisis in our coastguard stations continues, PCS says as the latest figures are revealed.

The worst hit areas were staffed below safe levels more than half the time in 2013, data obtained by the Coastguard SOS campaign group shows.

Three stations have been closed by this government ahead of a new national operations centre on the south coast being up and running, despite an assurance this would not happen.

Six others – Brixham, Liverpool, Portland, Solent, Swansea and Thames – are earmarked for closure, which the union fears will put lives at risk.

The union is also concerned by media reports that suggest it has now accepted the closure plans. This is not the case, the union remains firmly opposed.

The recent storms and floods in the UK showed the need to retain expert coastguard resources and knowledge in our coastal communities.

As well as co-ordinating rescue operations at sea, coastguard staff assisted other emergency services and the Environment Agency in cities and towns.

The union again calls for a halt to the closures and for ministers to act on the recommendations of the transport select committee and ensure proper risk assessments are carried out.


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