Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701
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We fought 'long and hard' says GMB after SIA letter to members
GMB, the union for security staff, commented on the letter that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has written to all licence holders, including many thousands of GMB members, to clarify Government plans to phase the body out after 2012.
In October the Government announced that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that licenses security companies and security staff and maintains standards in the industry will no longer be a Non Departmental Public Body and that there will be a phased transition to a new regulatory regime.
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 fought long and hard for regulation, and believe that some form of regulation should stay in place, after 2012. Licensing in the security industry was brought in to keep out crooks, drug dealers and those convicted of criminal assaults to protect the public and change of Government has not removed the risks to the public. GMB members employed as security officers in the industry are appalled that their own standards and professionalism could be put at risk, and undermined by removing the licensing needs. It is essential that the public have confidence that security services are being provided by properly trained, vetted and accredited individuals. GMB will ensure our members views are at the forefront of the consultations and that the much needed improvements that have been made in the industry in recent years are not lost. In the meantime, GMB will continue to work with our members and the industry to ensure that unscrupulous employers do not take advantage of the situation and use it as a means to employ unlicensed and untrained staff."
Contact Jude Brimble GMB National Officer for the Security Industry 07850 974198 or Gary Smith National Secretary on 07710 618909
Notes
Extracts from SIA letter:
"Licence holders must understand that current law remains in place and it is a criminal offence for security operatives and those deploying them to work in licensable activities without a valid SIA licence,
The SIA and its partners continue to ensure that the law is properly enforced.
Some of you will be approaching the time to renew your SIA licence, or you may be considering applying for your first licence. I want to assure you that it is my intention to protect the investment you have made in training and your SIA licence. I do not want to see you lose out or be disadvantaged under a new system of regulation.
As the new arrangements for regulation are developed, it is essential that we hear your views and understand your concerns. I want everyone who holds a licence to have the opportunity to share their opinions with us.
When the time is right, I will seek your views through our many communication channels, but I urge you now to keep in touch with us. Staying informed means you can make the right decisions about your future."
8th December 2010