Finally had to board aircraft via stairs to tarmac, which were slippy and dangerous.
It is an airlines policy to board via stairs or jetways, not MAN. so please dont blast MAN for something that is not withing their perogative.
I think you have missed the point.
The stairs I refer to are within the terminal and therefore are the airport's responsibility. You go down the stairs at the gate to the tarmac, then walk to the steps up to the aircraft.
The steps up to the aircraft were most adequately clear and gritted.