Airport bosses have admitted some security staff are working without being checked for terrorist links.

It was claimed yesterday as many as 750 new workers at UK airports, including Gatwick, were working without full clearance.

Their duties included frisking passengers for weapons and explosives and searching bags.

But bosses at airport operator BAA said they were operating within Government rules.

A spokesman said: "All our security staff undergo counter-terrorist checks.

"Government rules allow for newly-trained staff to work under direct supervision on security duties while full clearance is awaited."

Monday August 4, 2003