Coastguards gathered in Westminster today to request the reinstatement of emergency call-out payments, expressing concerns about plummeting morale.
Individuals who volunteer for life-saving missions were previously compensated at a rate of £11 per hour for emergency call-outs. However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is set to eliminate these payments in September following a court ruling that classified these duties as part of their “working” responsibilities. The coastguards are urging the MCA to halt its decision and engage in discussions with members, fearing that the removal of these payments could have a detrimental impact on morale and diminish the quality of service.
Ian Bugler, a 52-year-old coastguard from Dorset, voiced his support for the cause, highlighting the generational commitment to the service within his family. He emphasized the importance of the current remuneration for the hours dedicated to assisting those in need, especially since they sacrifice time from their primary employment to provide aid.
Concerns were raised about the potential repercussions of the payment cut, with a predicted significant decrease in coastguard response rates. Dr. Kelly Stockdale, another coastguard from Eyemouth, echoed these worries during discussions with MPs, emphasizing the essential role coastal communities play in their work and the potential loss of skilled team members due to the payment changes.
Nicola Savage, the National Officer for GMB, emphasized the critical nature of coastguards’ work and the necessity of fair compensation for their time and expenses. She likened coastguards to other statutory emergency services like firefighters and police officers, advocating for the MCA to reconsider its decision and address the concerns raised by coastguards.
This call for action aligns with The Mirror’s ongoing efforts to enhance water safety and prevent drownings, particularly emphasizing the tragic loss of children in open water incidents. The campaign has garnered support from various public figures, including Keir Starmer, who highlighted the urgency of addressing water-related fatalities and the emotional toll on affected families.
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