Smokie is correct about the change of companies. I finished working for one handling agent at STN on sunday, and started training with another on monday. I visited the ID unit on monday to get my pass re-issued in the name of my new employer (with exactly the same airside access); only to be told that I need the criminal record check PLUS five-year background check. Surely by having an airside pass to start with they were happy with my background, why does changing employer make me any less safe?
I finish my week long classroom-based training tomorrow .... I then cannot work (and therefore will not be paid) until BAA are satisfied that between sunday 23:59 and monday 00:01 I did not become a risk.
Not to impressed with them right now. Oh, and a period of unemployment is being covered by getting a friend to sign a statement confirming that I was unemployed (because terrorists don't have friends!).