Many Yorkshire and Humber Coastguards may have to quit due to pay cuts

Coastguard Rescue Officers in Yorkshire and Humberside may be forced to reduce their hours or quit volunteering due to proposed pay cuts, according to a survey conducted by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The MCA has decided to withdraw the hourly payments given to Coastguard Rescue Officers for attending incidents and training exercises.

The survey, which involved nearly 100 coastguards from the region, was leaked to the trade union GMB.

The results indicate that 52 per cent of respondents would be compelled to scale back their hours or cease volunteering altogether if these pay cuts are implemented.

Liz Marshall, GMB's Hull regional organiser, expressed concern over the lack of consultation from the Maritime Coastguard Agency with other emergency services.

She said: “Volunteer status, but it's up to the Coast Guard agencies to come up with a hybrid contract. Most want to be recognised as a worker because then they will get payment. If they go to a volunteer status, if there's a call out, they will not get a payment.”

Liz noted that 40 per cent of Coastguard Rescue Officers with over a decade of service have indicated that they might leave if these changes proceed.

The Coastguards have a significant impact on public safety, often handling call-outs alongside regular full-time jobs.

They perform vital rescues and searches for missing people, and losing experienced officers could endanger lives.

One Coastguard officer said: "I feel undervalued by the Maritime Coastguard Agency."

Another shared: "I believe people will die if these changes go ahead."

Liz emphasised the GMB's efforts to secure worker recognition and protections for Coastguard Rescue Officers.

GMB is committed to safeguarding the welfare of coastguards and maintaining public safety.