Training, pay-rates and protection for UK security operatives in 2024 – Opportunities for change?
Are you in the security sector and looking to change your work? Well, you're not the only one.
With a lot of security staff being overworked, underpaid, undervalued and regularly placed into unfamiliar positions, and a growing rise of public expectations, it's safe to say this industry is at major risk of downfall - if serious changes aren't made.
The truth is that there is scope for the U.K. security sector to change and provide more opportunities for security operatives. However, there needs to be a focus towards training, pay and protection from both parties.
To know why this industry is on the verge of collapse, keep reading.
Training
It's well known that sufficient training for security operatives can infuse confidence and morale and help organisations and professionals feel safer. But is enough being done?
With the rise in the cost of license renewals, renewing can be discouraging, especially if you're an experienced security operative. Alongside training, security operatives have to take the initiative and fund themselves, unlike other industries.
Apart from taking the act to fund, businesses can't do much in terms of offering training. The possibilities of dangerous situations for security operatives to encounter on the frontline are endless. This is why the most skilled security operatives often come down to the ones who are the most experienced instead of new starters.
Note: If you're a security operative, you may have higher chances of being hired for a better-paying role if you can demonstrate your credentials and additional qualifications upfront when applying for a security role. According to Surely Security, this can also help you stand out from the crowd.
With more people discouraged to renew their license, could this be the right time for you to showcase your skills?
Suggestion: If you're an operative try also adding testimonials and reviews about your security work. This additional effort can help you stand out from the crowd.
Pay-rates
At present, the pay rates for the security industry in the U.K. are very low. With the national living wage being £10.42, the average hourly rate of pay is £11.73 per hour. For a role that involves risk of physical violence, injury, exposure to dangerous situations and more- you may be questioning, is this career worth pursuing?
According to Surely Security, this industry has a lot of middlemen in place. Often, many clients are paying £15 per hour, and security operatives get paid around £10 due to multiple cuts being taken out by middlemen.
A job faced with a lack of competitive pay and the cost of licensed renewals and self-funded training is a key example of why the U.K. security industry is crumbling. However, this can be avoided if fair compensation and a specific minimum wage are set for door supervisors and close protection officers.
Protection
Another discouraging factor that's remained unchanged since 2018 is an act passed by the British parliament known as the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act.
In short, this act reveals that security operatives benefit from no added protection methods concerning assault than any other public members.
While prison officers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters and security operatives employed by hospitals are covered. Sounds fair, right?
Not really.
Security operatives have an equal risk of not more of facing dangerous hazards and have a growing list of responsibilities. In fact, they're likely to be at more risk of assault than members of the public.
Suggestions for change
With a lack of baseline pay, protection and training in place for security operatives, there needs to be major changes for 2024. If changes are to be made, a minimum and maximum rate of pay must be established associated with specific responsibilities for each security operative job, and a law of protection needs to be in place.
If you're a British security operative, let us know your thoughts. What do you think needs changing for 2024?
