A Two-Tier ACS Would Solve the Security Industry’s Problems – Why Won’t the SIA Implement It? In my conversations with clients, the Metropolitan Police and SO19, people are often shocked to learn that there is no mandatory regulation of security companies. Many believe – rightfully so – that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) governs the industry from top to bottom, when, in reality, it only governs around 20% of it. That’s right: the organisation that we all depend on to […]
As you are well aware if you’ve been following my articles, the security industry isn’t where it needs to be. For a variety of reasons, there are startling vulnerabilities in the very services that businesses, the police and public expect to keep us all safe. To put it simply, our security industry isn’t as secure as it needs to be. But there is good news: I’m not the only person who recognises the need for change and is willing to […]
I’ve worked in the security industry for over 30 years, going from employee to business owner in one of the country’s most vital industries, one that provides safety for millions of UK businesses, workers and members of the public. It’s because I’m so proud of this industry that I’m so dedicated to seeing it change. The recent Uber case has given me hope that one of its glaring holes – the exploitation of the self-employment grey area – may soon […]
A UK employment court recently ruled that Uber drivers are not self-employed, and as such are entitled to benefits such as sick pay, holidays and a national minimum wage. Deliveroo and Hermes have since come under scrutiny as well, along with many other firms that may be contributing to the hundreds of thousands of falsely classified workers in the UK. I’ve never seen the topic of bogus self-employment gain so much attention, and it’s reassuring to see efforts being made […]
In April, the government introduced a new minimum wage of £7.20 per hour. This wasn’t much of an issue for us, as we already provided that level of pay or even greater for our staff, but it did mean renegotiating some historic contracts to bring them in line. Such negotiations were happening across the country between reputable security companies and their clients. But for the rogue operators, who I’ve written about extensively in the past, this provided an opportunity. When […]
I’m starting 2016 with a clear message: the security industry needs full business licensing. It was my message last year, and the year before that, and the year before. Back in 2012, I was heartbroken at the number of rogue security companies who set up to profit from the Olympics, only to leave the country with pockets full of cash and a string of unpaid guards behind them. I would like to say that such behaviour wouldn’t be possible today, […]
I started Magenta Security to provide a better service than that was on the market. In the 20 years since then my business has grown and so have my goals. I no longer just want to make Magenta better, I want to improve this entire industry. Unfortunately, the security industry has a stain on it that doesn’t seem to budge. You may know that, luckily, security guards need to have a license to work in the UK. But you probably […]
The use of zero hours contracts in the security industry has been condemned by Hounslow based Magenta Security. The subject of zero-hours contracts was a widely discussed topic in the recent UK General Election with Prime Minister David Cameron claiming there would be legislation to protect workers on these contracts. This legislation has since been described as ‘toothless’ by employment lawyers. Zero-hours contracts, or casual contracts, allow employers to hire staff with no guarantee of work. This effectively means employees […]
Watching the televised debates ahead of the UK general election often highlights real concerns for the British public and zero-hours contracts are thankfully on the agenda. For those that don’t necessarily understand zero-hours contracts they are essentially casual contracts allowing employers to hire staff with no guarantee of work. This effectively means employees work only when they are needed by employers, often at short notice with pay depending on how many hours they work. At Magenta Security we are firmly […]
The Government set up the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to regulate the security industry, which mandated that all security officers working in the industry must have a licence in order to work. Accreditation of individual guards went a long way to improving the reputation of the industry. But in my opinion, more needs to be done. One of the biggest issues since individual regulation was introduced has been the use of self-employed security guards. It became all too common to […]
