Since the introduction of initial licences three years ago, a number of important changes have occurred in legislation relevant to security officers, but as far as I’m aware no refresher training is demanded prior to a licence renewal.
Should this be the case?
Sean McCarthy MSyI AIIRSM AMIFPO
Group Security and Health and Safety Manager
The Nicholls and Clarke Group of Companies
SIR – WITH REFERENCE TO ANDY DRANE’S article in your July edition, many people who are classed as self-employed have to pay for their own training, licensing and protective clothing/uniform. If we are forced to pay for refresher training on top of that, in addition to control and restraint training and maybe even First Aid training, then what’s the point of carrying on trying to make a living in the UK security sector?
Wages have decreased post-licensing, not increased as the Security Industry Authority (SIA) said they would. Let me draw a cost comparison for you. I am a firearms and shotgun licence holder. I renew my licence every five years. My renewal is due this month. Criminal record checks have to be carried out, and I have to be visited at home by a police officer for an interview and security check. The total cost of the licence? GB pound 50.00.
In contrast, the SIA procedure takes three times as long. No-one is sent to speak to me, and I’m charged nigh on five times as much every three years (with the prospect of an increase on a yearly basis notwithstanding).
If individuals within the private security industry saw the SIA as not only a licensing authority but also as an organisation that fights for the rights and working conditions of licensed security staff then I think you would find morale within the sector would be much better. The Regulator would also be held in far greater esteem.
Ian Walshaw
Director
Briarquest Gundogs
SIR – IT’S GOOD NEWS TO HEAR THAT THE Regulator is taking pro-active measures in relation to training malpractice, but who are the companies employing unlicensed staff?
Would it not be prudent for the Regulator to name and shame the businesses who are obtaining an unfair commercial advantage by not sharing the financial burden the rest of us are having to shoulder when licensing our members of staff correctly?
David Stubbs
Business Unit Manager
Astute Security
