Security Firms Must Recruit 62,000 New Officers to Meet Demand
22 August 2022
The UK’s private security industry must recruit, train and license more than 62,000 new security officers over the next 12 months to keep up with the growing demand for their services.
Watch the Video
According to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body for the professional security industry in the UK has started consulting with its members, who provide over 70 per cent of private security services in the UK, on plans to launch the industry’s biggest-ever recruitment drive.
Feedback from BSIA members indicates that the UK’s private security sector needs to boost the size of its licensed security officer population to more than 400,000 over the next 12 months, an increase of 12 per cent, to meet growing demand. The industry anticipates losing almost 20,000 officers from its workforce through factors including retirement and displacement following Brexit and COVID-19.
Elizabeth Smith, Head of People & Culture at Security provider Expeditious Services, echoes this: "Many officers placed on furlough have been sat at a career crossroads, giving time to rethink their place in the security industry. Long shifts doing high-risk work for low reward, with expenses to keep compliant and licensed have contributed to the 'great resignation' as workers want more pay for less stress."
Renewed Interest in Light of Protect Duty
However, interest in private security services has increased following the Government’s Protect Duty consultation, which will create a legal requirement for organisations to provide proportionate security measures when it comes into force as expected in 2023.
BSIA members also cite rising criminality, the “substantial” terror threat level and more incidents involving members of the public who have mental health issues as factors driving increased demand for their services.
Mike Reddington, Chief Executive at the BSIA, said “The private security industry faces unprecedented demand for highly-trained, licensed security officers from organisations and events who recognise they need to purchase security services based on risk and professionalism rather than cost. Security is more than a high-vis vest and buyers are more willing to invest in quality now to achieve a safer, more secure environment.”
“Our members and their customers anticipate that the Government’s Protect Duty, introduced in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack, will become law sooner rather than later. Businesses such as event producers know they need to spend more on professional security officers trained in terror threat awareness and emergency first aid in order to protect people better.
“As a sector we are moving quickly to attract more security officers into the industry, letting people know security can be a career of choice for team players who care about providing a professional service to protect people, property and places and who will commit to the training. Failure to achieve this could compromise public safety and some big events may not be able to happen as planned.”
Picture: a photograph of Mike Reddington. Image Credit: BSIA
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 22 August 2022
British Security Industry Association Data Shows Increased Demand for Security Officers
Figures from The British Security Industry Association show that businesses have recruited an estimated 65,000 new security specialists over the last six months.
A...
National Careers Week – Making FM Appeal to Young People
For National Careers Week, Michelle Connolly from 300 North shares her advice on how FM companies can make the sector more appealing to young people.
Michelle...
Julie Jarvis is the Managing Director of Phoenix Resourcing Services, and has over twenty years of experience in the recruitment industry specialising in building...
British Cleaning Council Warns of Staff Shortage Crisis Ahead of Winter Flu and COVID Spike
The industry body that represents the cleaning and hygiene sector fears its workers will struggle to keep public spaces free of viruses if staff shortages...
Employers that use degrees to screen candidates could be missing out on key talent and exacerbating the skills gap.
The CIPD asked over 2,000 senior decision-makers...
Development and Technical Engineers in High Demand Across UK
Several engineering professions are experiencing significant shortages in the UK, particularly within the design and development sector.
Research from the beginning of...
300 North Partners With Uptree to Promote Young Talent in FM
300 North, the FM recruiter, is partnering with Uptree, a careers education and work experience platform championing diversity, inclusion and equality for all.
Uptree...
A decline in zero-hours employee contracts in the security sector could indicate a wider changing trend in recruitment as a whole, says Chloe Jehu, People Services...
The Problems With Recruitment in the Security Industry
Like many industries, security is currently facing a recruitment crisis. But why is it happening and what can be done about it?
Elizabeth Smith, Head of People &...
The Governor of the Bank of England recently said that we need to see “a moderation of wage rises” to stop rising inflation. However, employers in the UK...
Denbighshire County Council Slashes Fuel Costs By Over 70% With Rinnai Continuous Flow Water Heaters
A care home in Denbighshire has reduced its fuel consumption from its hot water heating system from 750kWh to 200kWh per day, with the support of Rinnai products and design support services. Click Image To Read More
Energy Transition Update
The validity of global clean power dispersal has recently been questioned by some sections of the international and UK mainstream media as well as prominent political figures. Click Image To Read More
Renewable Stance Of Major Oil And Gas Companies Reflects Customer & Shareholder Attitude
Chris Goggin reviews the recent decision to reverse renewable investments in favour of increasing fossil fuel opportunities and what this means for the direction of international and UK net-zero objectives. Click Image To Read More
The Future Of Cleaning Today
InvisiGard by Orion Eco Solutions is a revolutionary water-based coating that effectively eliminates viruses, bacteria, and airborne pollutants in your workplace. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai Responds to Consultants and Specifiers with New CPD Additions
Rinnai is dedicated to providing consistently updated products, energy policy and energy market regulation amendments. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai: Delivering Efficient Heat Pump Systems Beyond Media Perceptions
Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks in-depth at public information regarding heat pumps and other low carbon products being potentially diluted by recent changes to social media’s stance on fact-checking. Click Image To Read More
Energy Transition Update
A huge shift in American energy procurement policy that embraces fossil fuels could alter short-to-medium term power options on the international energy market due to the influence of America on western trade. Click Image To Read More
Prestigious Highbury Square Appoints Hard FM Services Provider
Henshall & Sheehy appointed to deliver the Hard FM Services at the prestigious Highbury Square, a 650 prime apartment complex. Click Image To Read More
FM Qualifications at the College of Central London
Our mission is to provide skills and knowledge to help you achieve success in IWFM level 5 and 6. Click Image To Read More