NATS sell-off a security risk

PCS has grave concerns over the security of our skies as the chancellor, in the spending review, resurrected plans to sell off the government's share in the National Air Traffic Service.

Recent speculation over the sell-off of NATS, the UK's main air navigation service provider, became a reality when George Osborne announced that the government is going to explore the sale of its 49% shareholding in NATS in his autumn statement and spending review on Wednesday.

In 2011, the debate over such controversial plans was eventually shut down following outcry at the prospect of the UK losing control of its own airspace, potentially to an overseas owner. Both PCS and our sister union Prospect argued that a full sale would lead to greater instability with an increased emphasis on profit and short term dividends coming into conflict with NATS safety and other duties.

PCS NATS section president Jacqui Nicholls said: "If ever there was a case against the privatisation of a vital public service, it is NATS.

"Running control of the airspace for profit is a very big threat to safety and security. PCS’ NATS section will now be looking to meet in early January to relaunch our campaign to stop the sale of our skies."

From the PCS website.