Members of the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Security Guarding Section have adopted a single policy relating to the management of employees during Games time.
It’s a move which provides added levels of protection to security officers working during this busy period, while at the same time emphasising Association members’ commitment to employee welfare.
The development of this policy follows years of research into the impact of the Games on the private security sector which has identified the increased risk of service failure due to staff taking on additional part-time work.
Trevor Elliott, the director of manpower and membership services at the BSIA, explained: “Given the opportunity for extra shifts, there’s a risk that staff might be tempted to work excessively, breaching the Working Time Directive and Health and Safety guidelines. Such actions could leave them too tired to perform effectively, creating an obvious risk to their own Health and Safety.”
Elliott went on to state: “The BSIA’s policy confirms that employees of member companies will sign a statement to declare that they’re not employed by, and neither will they work for any other company unless both employment and the shifts worked are declared.”
Quality service regardless of higher demand
The BSIA has already provided guidance to members on the relevant and necessary steps to be taken in planning for the Olympic Games. This latest development, though, demonstrates a commitment to the Health and Safety of staff members and their ability to deliver high quality customer service, regardless of high demand.
Stuart Lowden, current chairman of the BSIA’s Security Guarding Section, added: “The additional pressures placed on private security by this summer’s sporting celebrations place an added risk upon our employees’ Health and Safety. The development of this single policy enables us as an Association to formally pledge our commitment to maintaining excellent levels of service and staff welfare during what’s inevitably going to be a challenging period.”
With Lord Prescott calling upon Home Secretary Theresa May to kick-start an investigation into the conditions of employment within security companies following an incident involving a non-BSIA member company during Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend, the issue of employee welfare for security officers is well and truly in the spotlight.
The proactive action taken by BSIA member companies to ensure employee welfare will be maintained at current levels throughout the busy summer period, and reinforces the value to end users of choosing a reputable security provider.
*To find out more about the work of the BSIA, its Security Guarding Section and the Association’s preparations for London 2012 visit the Association’s official website
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