The team responsible for overseeing England’s most hazardous industrial sites, such as nuclear power plants and chemical manufacturers, is struggling with a severe recruitment shortage. This shortage has led to a warning that environmental incidents at these sites are not being properly monitored or addressed.
Under the control of major accident hazards (COMAH) regulation, nearly 950 of England’s most hazardous industrial sites are covered. However, the Environment Agency, which enforces these rules alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is facing difficulties in recruiting the necessary staff.
According to an internal EA report accessed through a freedom of information request, the agency has faced challenges in finding qualified candidates. Out of 34 positions advertised in the field over two years, only 13 were filled despite offers being extended for 75% of the roles.
An anonymous EA employee raised concerns that the gaps left by the agency’s recruitment shortcomings are sometimes covered by the HSE, which they believe gives less priority to environmental issues. There have been instances where the EA discovered environmental incidents much later than the HSE, indicating a potential breakdown in information sharing.
The recruitment struggles are attributed to a general scarcity of skilled individuals in the field and lower salaries offered by the Environment Agency. The report also notes high staff turnover and dissatisfaction among existing employees, which are influenced by low salaries, inadequate rewards, and a lack of opportunities for professional development.
Dr. Doug Parr from Greenpeace UK expressed grave concerns about the lack of oversight at sites containing flammable and explosive chemicals, suggesting that these issues are just the beginning.
The Environment Agency acknowledged the challenges and affirmed their collaborative efforts with partners, including the HSE, to enforce COMAH and prevent major accidents. They also mentioned initiatives to improve recruitment and retention of staff in the area.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/incidents-hazardous-industrial-sites-england-going-unchecked-recruitment-crisis-major-accident-hazards
