Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701

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GMB to play a key role in security industry discussions

It is expected that GMB will play a key role in discussions to ensure a robust regulatory framework for security industry from 2014 and beyond.

"Changes will require amendments to primary legislation and the statutory regulations, this will take time, and that there will be no changes before the Olympics in 2012 is welcome", says GMB.

GMB, the main union in the security industry, commented on the discussions now underway on the regulatory regime in the security industry following the Government's announcement that there would be a phased transition to a new regulatory regime. It is envisaged that the new regime will operate from 2014.

As of June 2010, the total number of approved security contractors was 672. There are almost 350,000 security workers with valid SIA licenses across the UK.

Jude Brimble, GMB national officer for security said: "GMB look forward to playing a key role in the future discussions to ensure that what ever emerges that we have a robust regulatory framework from 2014 and beyond. Changes will require amendments to primary legislation and the statutory regulation and will take time. We welcome the fact that there will be no changes before the Olympics in 2012.

"GMB considers that it is important to ensure that the security industry continues to be licensed so that public confidence remains high and that people who work in the industry are vetted, licensed and trained. This position is shared by many stakeholders in the industry.

"Having started the long overdue process of creating a professional and respected security industry in the UK now is not the time to backslide and open the door for the crooks and criminals who for too long had a free reign in the industry.

"GMB members working in the industry value their licence as a mark of professionalism and integrity."   

Contact: Jude Brimble GMB National Officer for the Security Industry 07850 974198 or Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary on 07710 618909 

3rd November 2010