1SC Guarding Media Centre.

We are constantly asked why security is needed, the aim of security is to protect people, places and property from potential threats. Although a security officers job description can vary, depending on specific work settings and added value required today, a security service and the officers employed should focus primarily on preventing crime, that’s why it’s called, “Security”

Are security guards effective?

How effective are your Security Officers? Research has shown that having security personnel on a property, or patrolling through a community, can act as a way to deter crime.  Having an actual trained and inspired Security Person working as a Security Officer will act as a greater deterrent than just having video surveillance on your property.

 Who makes a good Security Officer?

We have noticed the increase in applicants stating they are self employed security officers when they arrive to us for interview?  It seems its not uncommon for employers (security companies) to recruit staff for £10 per hour and class them as subcontractors on the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deducting 20% for tax once a UTR has been provided.   As sub-contractors, these security officers forfeit many employment benefits such as uniform, pension and holiday entitlement.

These unsuspecting security guards, most of which are a little slow on the up take, if you get my meaning, are being exploited by the employer our industry and clients alike, ignorance is no excuse, albeit ignorance is not the excuse its keeping over heads down, we call this exploitation, today its known as “Modern Day Slavery”.  Nevertheless, these employers are recruiting staff in positions such as fire wardens across London keeping charge rates extremely low and providing appalling work conditions for Security Officers, there again you get what you pay for in life generally!

For those inspectorates of companies, Employers and clients who should know better, shame on you.

Generally speaking, when working as a security officer for one company you should be, “ pay as you earn” P.A.Y.E this means working as an employee for that company and getting the remuneration and protection they deserve.

We have been recruiting for some weeks now for a good standard mobile patrol/response driver who can attend alarm activations and incidents in and around London.  To date the standard of applicant has been appalling to say the least, when we mention duties and BS:7984:2016 absolutely everyone has looked at us blankly, although, they are currently carrying out this function.

During our interview process we asked applicants how an intruder alarm works and again to date no one knows or understand the workings of an intruder alarm system, strange? Poor at best, disgraceful for the employers who employ these less than capable SIA licensed individuals, I can’t call them security staff/professionals as they don’t understand the basics of their jobs!!

Question: how can you investigate an alarm activation if you don’t know or understand how an intruder alarm works?

Answer: you can’t!

Over the past 10 years the cost of security has been driven down deliberately without realising in some circumstances the consequences, the main two reasons are:

1. Plan ahead

·        Check where and when – sort out any travel you need

·        Be ready for questions – some about your application, as well as your chance to ask about the security officer position.

This is an important message from The SIA that we would like to pass onto staff. If you are from the EU are you confident that you have enough time to apply for settled status? Don’t leave it too late.

You must have the right to work in the UK to hold an SIA licence. You can apply to the UK government’s EU Settlement Scheme to continue living and working here after the UK leaves the EU.

If you haven’t already, we recommend that you apply for the scheme as soon as possible. This is to make sure there aren’t any delays when it is time for you to renew your licence. You can apply here. There is no fee to pay.

If you have any questions, please visit EU Settlement Scheme for details of how to get help on the phone or online.