“Ministers agreed today that there is no current need to deploy any additional troops. G4S numbers are rising and we are seeing an improvement in the company’s performance which is to be welcomed. Safety and security will always have the highest priority. As we have said we must prepare for every contingency.
“We are therefore putting an additional 1200 troops on standby reducing their notice to move from 7 days to 48 hours. They will remain in their current locations but can be called on if we need them during the coming weeks. We hope that will not be necessary but this is a sensible precaution. “There will be other challenges over the coming weeks but we are confident that we are on track to stage a great Games.” Hunt concluded.
The leading security industry union GMB said they were worried by reports from several areas that frontline GMB members working for G4S who were looking forward to being part of the Games and wanted to deliver the security contract are being subjected and affected by comments and taunts and this is damaging their morale. Reacting today to the continuing negative reports on running of the G4S Olympics contract.
Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary said, “The constant attacks on G4S management are having a demoralising impact on the thousands of G4S workers who are striving to deliver security on the ground, both for the Olympic games and on other contracts around the country. It is also apparent that some workers contracted for the Olympic Games are being turned-off by the adverse publicity. GMB is worried by reports from several areas that frontline GMB members working for G4S who were looking forward to being part of the Games and wanted to deliver the security contract are being subjected and affected by comments and taunts and this is damaging their morale. There are thousands and thousands of people doing their best and they should have our support.
Margaret Hodge was speaking as the Committee published its 9th Report of this Session which, on the basis of evidence from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, examined the preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.