Seconded Murray; The BAA security staff so I am informed get about £17000 with shift and some o/t and I believe that Manchester Airport security used too be payed reasonably circa £12000. Having spent 10 years performing security audits round the world I can confirm that not all are rejects, as if you visit big M there is no one over 24 years anyway.
Security staff are poorly paid which is a measure of the importance that state and government attaches to the issue of airport security ditto the airlines. Once again it is merely superficial and it would be encouraging to see the likes of BALPA speaking up and bringing there force to bear in this issue. We view daily security complaints / fails on this web.
Finally the pilot / crew community and airport staff are the bigest moaners when things are done properly and spend a lot of time critising airport security. It is only important when it goes wrong.
Security Staff are underpayed and undervalued e.g. BA ramp staff can earn £20000 + easily and I can confirm that a number would not have the ability to work at big M.