‘Accident imminent’ at nuclear base after fire brigade union cuts

Firefighter cuts at Faslane and Coulport nuclear submarine bases are “an accident waiting to happen,” according to a union.

Capita has reduced the number of specialist fire crews at HM Naval Base Clyde in Argyll and Bute.

The company provides fire protection services to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

Unite, which represents workers on the bases, said the cuts would “significantly impact the ability of firefighters on site to do their jobs properly”.

It is alleged that promises to invest in new technology to reduce fire risk were not kept as new vehicles or training were not provided.

The union said Capita had reduced its specialist fire safety team by eight positions.

She added that she intended to “advance an industrial action vote” by workers.

Debbie Hutchings, industry officer at Unite, said: “Capita’s cuts are an accident waiting to happen, make no mistake about that and it is not scaremongering on our part.

“This private company is effectively jeopardizing the security response capabilities of the nuclear naval bases on the Clyde as part of a cost-saving measure.

“We really need to ask ourselves whether this country is comfortable handing over the country’s fire protection capabilities to a company desperate to save money through cuts that compromise safety.”

Capita said the impact of the cuts would be minimal, with four employees being made voluntarily redundant.

It added that new engineering systems had been introduced to improve fire safety and Coulport and Faslane were due to receive new fire engines by the end of the year.

A spokesman for the company said: “We have carried out a thorough review of the fire risks at Faslane and Coulport, involving all relevant MoD stakeholders.”

“This included consultation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and was the reason for our investment in new technology to reduce fire risk.

“The review’s recommendation to adjust resourcing at both sites was ultimately approved by the Department of Defense.

“This followed a lengthy review process and four successful validation exercises by our on-site fire service teams, which confirmed our recommendations were appropriate and sufficient.

“We are committed to achieving better fire risk outcomes for the Department of Defense, its personnel and our firefighters.”

A Ministry of Defense spokesman said: “Fire safety on naval bases is of paramount importance. A comprehensive fire risk review in Faslane and Coulport was carried out and found no issues with safety standards.

“The Defense Fire and Rescue contract will modernize the fire department with new vehicles, technology and training to provide a safer environment for both firefighters and those they protect.”