GUERNSEY’S airport risked losing its licence due to a lack of experience among firefighters, the tribunal of inquiry heard yesterday.

Deputy airport director Simon Macphail (pictured) spoke about the events that led up to the industrial action last May.

He said there had been recruitment problems since 2007.

‘There was a high staff turnover,’ he said. ‘The airport firefighters were having to work more and more overtime to cover shortfalls, so it was having a greater effect on their private lives.’

Firefighters who wanted to do overtime would put their name on a list. However, there was not always enough volunteers to provide full cover.

‘Firefighters would have to work a higher number of rest days than they were happy with, so some left to find alternative employment,’ said Mr Macphail.

‘This left the remaining airport firefighters in a worse position.’

The hearing has adjourned until 11 January while the members await submissions from witnesses.