PCS: Anger over revenue and customs security privatisation
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) reacted angrily today as ministers gave the go ahead to privatise the remaining security guards working for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The move affects up to 200 security staff working across 19 sites throughout the UK, including warehouses storing seized contraband, and comes weeks after the Poynter report into the loss of confidential data by HMRC. Following the announcement the union warned that security at the sites could be undermined as contractors cut corners to maximise profits.
Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “This decision is a bitter blow for dedicated professionals who ensure the security of a number of highly sensitive sites. Our members do a vital job in ensuring that sites which include the storage of contraband are secure and fear that privatisation will result in corners being cut and security undermined. We will continue to campaign against these proposals which are aimed at cutting costs rather than enhancing security and urge the department and ministers to think again.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
– For further information, interviews and comment please contact Alex Flynn PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2820 or 07833 978216.
– PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 310,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich.
Alex Flynn
National Press Officer
Public and Commercial Services Union
160 Falcon Rd
London SW11 2LN
Direct line: 020 7801 2747
Mobile: 07833 978 216
Fax: 020 7924 1847
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