Government looking to speed up background checks for Manchester Airport's new recruits - but insists they won't rush security clearance

The Government has confirmed it's 'looking at ways' to help hubs like Manchester Airport speed up background checks for new starters in a bid to help with staff shortages. Hub boss Charlie Cornish has been candid about the workforce challenges they face, hindered by the time it takes to vet, check and train recruits before they can start work.

The resulting pressure on the Government from the sector to help speed up the process has led to reports elsewhere that Westminister is considering fast-tracking anti-terror and security vetting. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) told the Manchester Evening News this was not the case. They are instead looking at legislation around job reference verification carried out by potential employers, it's understood.

Currently, employers such as Manchester Airport are bound by EU legislation which means they must delve into years of previous employment, a time and resource-consuming task. However, it's been confirmed that Westminister is now searching for a 'post-Brexit' workaround to shorten how far back these searches have to go, potentially fast-tracking this stage of recruitment.

READ MORE: Manchester Airport and TUI apologise for delays on 'Manic Monday' with huge queues at check-in and security

In a statement earlier this month, following weeks of complaints from passengers enduring long queues at Manchester Airport and ahead of a candid apology from boss Charlie Cornish, Mayor Andy Burnham vowed to support the airport to get back on track.

At that time, he alluded to staff 'awaiting clearance but the process taking longer than usual'. He added: "So, I am today writing to the Minister for Security and Borders asking if large airports, such as Manchester, which are