Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil will contact QinetiQ  and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) regarding security at the two sites in Uist and also the issue of security staff who have seen their wages being cut by up to 30%, due to the loss of the shift allowance and the flexible roster allowance. This means that many now cannot afford to make contributions to their pension.  It emerged earlier this week that the company are no longer accepting trade union recognition among its staff. In future only one security guard will be on duty at each site, guarding facilities that have high tech radars and other valuable equipment.

Angus MacNeil commented:

“I will contact QinetiQ and the MOD as a matter of urgency over these issues, which do no good to either organisation and also has huge implications for staff morale at both sites. Security staff working for QinetiQ have seen their wages slashed by up to 30% because of the loss of the shift allowance and the flexible roster allowance. It also means that many now cannot make personal pension contributions because of these cuts.

“It has also been brought to my attention that only one security guard will now be on duty at each site, guarding high tech radar and other valuable equipment. I feel that this is a huge security risk and I hope that they will look again at this decision.

“I have asked QinetiQ and the MOD if they have assessed the security and safety of both sites before they came to this conclusion. Staff are also being encouraged to take lump sums and leave their employment as soon as possible, this has consequences for site security and there is a huge loss of knowledge being lost because of this.

“Earlier in the week it was announced that QinetiQ are no longer recognising trade unions among their staff, is this acceptable to the MOD?”

ENDS