National ID cards for airport staff ‘wasteful and costly’
Plans to make airport workers the first in the country to be compelled to carry compulsory National ID Cards have been condemned as “wasteful and costlyâ€.
Airline representation body BAR UK said the scheme would not produce any significant return as thousands of staff working airside at UK airports – the area beyond passenger security barriers and on aircraft aprons – are already required to have airport ID cards.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the government has delayed until 2011 a requirement for people having to give biometric details when renewing their passports.
Under Home Office proposals, airport staff such as baggage handlers and cabin crew would be the first to have National ID Cards.
That would mean an ID Card would be required to get an ID Card, according to BAR UK, which represents more than 90 scheduled airlines.
Chief executive Mike Carrivick said: “Today, aviation security checks are at an all-time high, and staff with airside access are already subject to very thorough identity checks.
“Any compulsion for them to have an National ID Card, in order to obtain an airport ID Card, will add complexity and cost to the process without apparently any strong benefits in return.
“Criminal record checks will still be necessary, as will security clearances, so there are no savings of time or process there.
“However, as there are likely to be significant costs to obtain a National ID Card, this will be seen as yet another financial burden being placed on the industry without savings being made elsewhere.
“Our concerns were expressed to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) on Monday, when it briefed airlines and airports on its proposals. We were assured there would be a consultation process, with IPS keen to understand the views of those within the aviation industry.
“BAR UK looks forward to contributing to that consultation, and to identifying the benefits and opportunities that might arise.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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