Airport tightening its security

The airport launched an inquiry after the TV findings

An airport where security staff were filmed sleeping on duty and reading magazines instead of screening bags has announced a security upgrade.

Birmingham International is setting up a £100,000 'security assurance programme' to monitor the performance of sub-contract workers at the site.

Earlier in June, ITV1's Tonight with Trevor McDonald filmed workers employed by security firm ICTS UK asleep.

As a result, 13 staff were sacked and the firm no longer screens baggage.

Joe Kelly, the airport's acting managing director said: "It is our priority to ensure we provide a secure environment for passengers and the new programme will assure that the high standards set by our own security staff are also being achieved by third party operators."

Site security

The security assurance programme will monitor the security performance of contractors such as fuel companies, baggage handlers and cleaners.

ICTS is still responsible for maintaining the security of the site and preventing breaches of the perimeter fence.

In a statement, ICTS said it had fully investigated all matters raised by ITV's programme and had co-operated fully with the airport and other bodies.

"The company is confident that measures subsequently implemented have strengthened its operations at Birmingham and it remains committed to providing a high level of security to the travelling public."