Coastguards convened in Westminster today to advocate for the reinstatement of emergency call-out payments, expressing concerns about morale reaching a critical low.
Individuals who dedicate their time from primary employment to conduct life-saving operations were entitled to £11 per hour for responding to emergencies.
However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) plans to eliminate these payments in September following a Court of Appeal ruling that considered these activities as “working.” Coastguards are now urging the MCA to halt its intentions and engage with members to address worries that the proposed pay cut could negatively impact morale and weaken the service.
Ian Bugler, a 52-year-old coastguard from Dorset, emphasized his support for all coastguards, highlighting his family’s longstanding involvement in the service spanning nearly 150 years across four generations. He underscored the significance of the current remuneration for the efforts put in, noting the sacrifices made from primary employment to assist those in need.
Bugler expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of the payment reduction, citing a potential significant drop in response rates from coastguard rescue officers. Dr. Kelly Stockdale, another coastguard from Eyemouth who met with MPs, echoed these worries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a skilled and cohesive team to serve coastal communities effectively.
Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, emphasized the essential nature of compensating coastguards for their time and expenses, likening their role to other statutory emergency services like firefighters and police officers. GMB called on the MCA to pause, engage in consultations, and address the concerns raised by coastguards.
These developments take place as The Mirror advocates for enhanced water safety following a series of drownings and the launch of the ‘Save Lives for Sam’ campaign earlier this year. The initiative urges the government to take prompt action to prevent the yearly deaths of 33 children in open water, equivalent to the size of a school class.
In June, Keir Starmer supported The Mirror’s campaign following several concerning water-related fatalities. The Prime Minister expressed empathy for parents who have tragically lost their children in water incidents during the recent heatwave.
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