Jacqui Smith warned by first group to be given ID cards that they will not improve security

Andrew Porter
London Telegraph
Monday, July 21, 2008

The first group of workers to be have compulsory ID cards forced on them have warned Jacqui Smith that the measure will not improve security.
Union staff representing airport workers will this week meet the Home Secretary as a matter of "urgency" to discuss their concerns.

When ministers announced the plans to phase in compulsory ID cards, airport workers were chosen as the first people to have to carry them.

The Government has been determined to bring the scheme in, despite claims that it is a costly waste of time.

However, the Home Secretary is now facing strong criticism from the unions as well as opposition parties.

In a letter to Miss Smith, Frances O'Grady, the deputy general secretary of the TUC, said the issue was also one of civil liberties.

She said: "Unions representing the airport workforce recognise the need for effective security measures, but see no evidence at all that these proposals that these proposals would enhance airport security arrangements.

"They have raised a number of specific issues: the move has significant civil liberties' implications; that it would not be cost effective, and indeed, appears to impose additional burdens on business and employees with no measurable security benefit."

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