Mines Rescue Service future 'under threat'

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simonrl
51% (Neutral)
Administration Topic Starter

13 years ago

From the Beeb:

Quote:

The future of mines rescue services in Wales could be under threat because it is struggling for funds, it is claimed.

The Mines Rescue Service in Rhondda says it receives a small percentage of its income from mines and has to run training courses to cover costs.

With the threat of mines closing, it would like UK government help.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18868344

my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by

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staffordshirechina
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

Not surprised.
The service nationally is 'reviewing it's contracts' as funding is short.
Previously the service was part of the nationalised industry and money and more importantly, manpower, was readily available.
Since it became a privatised company the manpower supply has been cut off and they have a seriously ageing workforce.
Previously, when a rescuer became too old or unfit for duty, they were often deployed back to a colliery in a safety related job. This two way flow stopped.
However, the law still requires mine owners to make rescue provisions so something will need to happen.

Peter Burgess
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

"staffordshirechina" wrote:
Not surprised.
The service nationally is 'reviewing it's contracts' as funding is short.
Previously the service was part of the nationalised industry and money and more importantly, manpower, was readily available.
Since it became a privatised company the manpower supply has been cut off and they have a seriously ageing workforce.
Previously, when a rescuer became too old or unfit for duty, they were often deployed back to a colliery in a safety related job. This two way flow stopped.
However, the law still requires mine owners to make rescue provisions so something will need to happen.

If legislation requires a rescue service, and the private industry is "supposed" to pay for itself without subsidy ( I refer honourable readers to the Spanish miners debate for the various opinions on this) then logic dictates that if the service cannot be afforded then the mines which require an unaffordable service will have to close.

staffordshirechina
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

I think the problem lies with regional variations.
The area I deal with is based at Kellingley and are funded by viable, producing collieries. The South Wales station has very little to gain funds from. The small mines there have traditionally lived off the back of the larger contributors.
Now there are no large contibutors.
Also, the way the service charges for call outs has, I think, had problems. This was brought to a head with the Gleision Colliery incident.
Basically, you are charged a retaining fee annually which is quite small. Then in the event of a call out, you are charged for all work at full rates.
I believe that they are not able to recover the charges fully in the Gleision Colliery case, hence a big loss.
Ultimately, if a mine cannot demonstrate that it has adequate rescue provision, an Inspector could issue a stop notice?

Ty Gwyn
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

This arrangement as recently been changed.

Whereas before ,Collieries paid a rate per ton of production,no payment if under development

Now,as far as i have been told,its £70 per man per quarter plus a £50 admin charge,this is for Small mines.

staffordshirechina
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

Interesting.
That sounds affordable for a small mining operation.
However, it won't put much into the tin to pay for the rescue service overheads.
We were previously charged a £500 flat fee annually for our cover.
We are still negotiating for the new rate.

Trewillan
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

13 years ago

"staffordshirechina" wrote:

Basically, you are charged a retaining fee annually which is quite small. Then in the event of a call out, you are charged for all work at full rates.

Is this insurable?