Thanks all for your replys.
Heathrow Director, you've hit the nail on the head! The current emergency plans are no longer vaild.
The emergency plan IS part of the aerodrome license (a check of the CAA web site, and downloading of CAP168, 'Licensing of Aerodromes') confirms. If that plan can't be implemented i.e. outside fire service on strike, then the terms of the license are invalid!
Now, a dispensation could be approved, if applied for, on the basis of a new temporary plan to cover lack of outside cover. The point is however that, action must be taken to obtain this, and the new plan published to all required parties (ATC, aerodrome operators etc.....).
How many airfields have?? My local one certainly hasn't (as yet). I appreciate Bright-Ling that yes, it really is a risk analysis thing. But, lord forbid, the dice falls the wrong way, then as things stand, legally in court it could be argued that until new emergency plans are both formally approved and promulgated, that the airfield is technically unlicensed. Any lawyers involved in litigation would have a field day, and towards whom, I'm not sure.....
Cheers
30W