Porton Down Shake-Up Risks UK Security, Whistleblower Claims

A major overhaul at the UK's top defence science facility, Porton Down, is reportedly causing significant damage to national security work and leaving staff in a "paralysing limbo". A senior whistleblower from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) has raised serious concerns, suggesting the changes are compromising critical scientific efforts. DSTL, based largely in Wiltshire, is the brains behind our national defence, employing around 4,800 people. Its scientists tackle everything from investigating incidents like the Salisbury poisoning to supporting the nation's response to the Covid pandemic. However, the whistleblower claims a recent restructuring has diverted focus from this vital work. Morale among staff has plummeted, according to the insider, a sentiment echoed by trade union sources and internal staff surveys. The latest figures reveal DSTL’s "engagement index" has hit a historic low of just 43%, a stark contrast to the 64% average across the wider civil service. Worryingly, a separate safety survey placed DSTL in the bottom 1% for staff feeling they have the necessary resources to work safely. The whistleblower painted a picture of an organisation adrift, stating that recruitment controls introduced in November have worsened the situation. "They are treating us like a bunch of replaceable people in grey suits," they explained, "when we are a diverse team of world-leading science experts passionate about keeping our country safe." They warned that recovering from these losses could take a decade. For months, the focus has been internal, on the organisation's own structure, rather than on groundbreaking science. "We have been unable to do real science at times," the whistleblower asserted, highlighting a profound frustration among dedicated experts who feel their core mission has been sidelined. This distraction has led to dissatisfaction and staff departures, with many who remain feeling demotivated. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), which oversees DSTL, acknowledges that morale has been affected by the organisational changes. However, they stress that no redundancies have occurred due to "job deletions." Whitehall sources also dispute claims of degraded capabilities, insisting that staff turnover remains low. The MoD maintains that DSTL is on track to meet its key defence and security commitments this year, citing successful projects like the DragonFire laser trial and significant AI and autonomous systems trials. They frame the changes as part of the largest defence reforms in over 50 years, designed to strengthen the UK's ability to respond to evolving threats and improve safety standards. Despite the internal turmoil, the MoD insists that DSTL's performance this year is actually better than last. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article