National Petition - Protection for Security Workers

An image of two security guards at a control desk

25 February 2026 | Updated 23 February 2026

Kingdom Security, a UK security company, is working in partnership with the S12 and urging others in the industry and the public to follow suit, as they back a new parliamentary petition to protect security workers.

Kingdom Security believes the UK, which has almost 250,000 security workers, does not currently have enough legal protections that truly protect security workers. The petition calls for assaulting a security worker to become a standalone criminal offence, similar to how other emergency service workers are protected by the Assault on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018.

As shoplifting and retail crime becomes more commonplace in the UK, security officers at stores, shopping centres and out in the community are facing rising levels of threats and abuse while protecting people, property and public spaces.

According to a 2021 IFSEC Global survey, over a third are reportedly physically attacked monthly, and over half are reportedly verbally abused every time they work. And with attacks on shop workers only growing following COVID-19, it is likely that this has grown.

Supported by the Security Industry Federation and the S12 Committee, the petition is calling on the government to introduce extra legislative protection for security workers.

Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government must issue a formal response. At 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The petition is quick and simple to sign, requiring only a name, email address and postcode. Industry colleagues, contacts, friends and family are encouraged to add their names and share the petition widely.

Kingdom is also encouraging supporters to back the work of the S12 Committee, which is leading efforts to drive meaningful legislative change for the security industry.

Graham Allison, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Security, said: “The petition calls for fairness, safety and recognition. As crimes against people and property become increasingly brazen, security officers are on the frontline in the fight against everyday crime. They undoubtedly deserve the same legal protections as other frontline professionals.”

Allison added: “We also want more people to see the industry as a great place to work, and if this legislation comes in there is no doubt the industry will become more accessible, and we’ll see more and more people want to start their career in security.”

Sign The Petition Here.

Picture: An image of two security guards at a control desk.

Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 25 February 2026