Coastguards in Wales could be forced to stop lifesaving work if pay cuts go ahead

A union has warned that Wales could see a reduction in volunteer coastguard support after rescue volunteers were told they will no longer be paid for emergency call-outs.

The GMB Union has criticised the move by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, describing the changes as “cruel”.

However, the MCA says it was legally required to change the way the Coastguard Rescue Service operates following an employment tribunal ruling.

Coastguard rescue officers in Wales currently receive £12.21 per hour for operational duties.

Under the new model, that hourly payment will no longer be given to volunteers.

Simon Wigley, a coastguard rescue officer with the Teifi Coastguard Rescue Team in Cardigan, said the announcement had left volunteers feeling deflated.

The team has 24 members and provides emergency support along the coast.

Mr Wigley said volunteers are currently paid for call-outs and training, which can take up a large amount of time, especially during the winter months.

He said the payment helps compensate volunteers for time spent away from home and work.

He added that many call-outs happen at night or in the early hours, leaving volunteers tired and sometimes unable to work properly the following day.

Mr Wigley said coastguard rescue officers are Category 1 emergency responders, working alongside the ambulance, police and fire services.

He said volunteers are not asking to become employees, but want a stipend to help cover the hours they lose from work while responding to emergencies.

He also described the role as physically, mentally and psychologically demanding, saying coastguards often deal with distressing incidents while helping people on some of the worst days of their lives.

The GMB Union claims that, based on a leaked MCA survey, one in four coastguard rescue officers in Wales could be forced to reduce their hours or stop volunteering altogether if payments are removed.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the decision follows a legal judgment which meant changes had to be made to how the service operates.

A spokesperson said the MCA deeply values the work of coastguard rescue officers and will continue to work towards a model that supports coastguards and keeps the public safe.

An employment tribunal found that by paying hourly remuneration beyond expenses, the MCA had inadvertently created a “worker” relationship with coastguard rescue officers.

The MCA says its current model does not account for officers having worker status, meaning changes are legally required.

Under the revised volunteer model, volunteers will still receive training, equipment, operational support, uniforms and PPE.

However, they will no longer receive hourly payment for operational duties.

Nicola Savage, GMB national officer, said the changes could seriously damage a life-saving emergency service relied upon by millions of people.

She said coastguards risk their lives to keep others safe and should at least be paid for their time and expenses.

The union has warned that if the changes go ahead, the Coastguard service could look very different in future.

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