Stansted Airport steps up recruitment drive for female security officers

A RECRUITMENT drive to employ more female security officers has got underway at Stansted Airport.

Some 50 female staff are needed on six-month contracts at the Essex hub to meet the summer peak in passenger numbers.

The role is specifically targeting at women because, under Department for Transport regulations, female security officers are required to search female passengers.

Stansted's recruitment and training manager, Cathy Brennan, is leading the process.

She said: "Although the airport has similar numbers of male and female security officers, more of the women are in part time positions.

"In the summer months there will be more families flying on their holidays so naturally there will be more females.

"The job will be dealing with people going through security so they will be searching people, bags and working on the X-ray machines."

Key criteria for applicants include a five year checkable work history and full colour vision.

"There is also a huge customer service element to the role," said Mrs Brennan. "Applicants should be fit, because the job is physical, focussed and friendly.

"Traditionally women don't tend to be attracted to the role of a security officer. Many think it is a man's role - but that is changing.

"It is ideal for someone who is returning to the work place after time out having children as they can fit it around their lifestyle."

She added: "This is a great place to work and there is never a dull moment. Successful candidates receive good rates of pay, free uniform and free parking. There are also the added shopping benefits, including duty free."

The post involves shift work, normally four to six hours and including early and late shifts, with a basic 240 hours over the six month period.

Anyone interested in applying can get more information by logging on to www.baa.com/careers and enter vacancy number STN381.