In fact, although the author is doubtless not aware of it, the shops are not the property of their operators at all, but belong directly to BAA who "invite" retailers to take them and run them. The total shop revenue is then taken, the operating expenses (including keeping the shopfittings etc up to high standard as well as cost of the staff and goods) are subtracted, and the remaining margin is divided on a formula which in some cases sees BAA retaining up to 90% of the profit.

BAA have complete oversight of the operating expenses in conjunction with the operator.

The retail staff airside have to go through exactly the same background checks as the security staff, whose frequent shortfall is often blamed on the apparent difficulty in getting them security-approved. Did you ever see any of the shops closed because of no staff, like you see the security stations closed for the same reason ?

Thought not. It's an attitude of mind. I suggest we call for the resignation of the Chairman of Ferrovial.