FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
New figures published by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), which represents the UK’s private security firms, indicate that the sector is booming with businesses recruiting an estimated 65,000 new security specialists over the last six months as demand for their services grows.
A survey of BSIA members suggests security businesses have increased the size of their workforces by almost a fifth (16 per cent) since July 2022, as the industry gets to grips with new legislation and prepares for the return of major events and festivals in 2023.
A major national recruitment initiative, ‘People, Property, Places: Professionally Protected’, launched by the BSIA in 2022 focused on improving perceptions of a career in the industry and raising awareness of the crucial work security officers do.
Contrary to the traditional image of a security officer, data from the industry’s regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), suggests that young people and women are two important groups contributing to the industry’s growth. The SIA is responsible for granting licences for frontline security personnel in the industry.
In the 12 months to March 2023, the biggest increase in the licensed security officer population was in the 18-25 age bracket with a 14 per cent increase. Over the same period there was a six per cent increase in licenced female security officers, double the three per cent increase in licenced male officers.
The increasing demand for private security services follows the Government’s Protect Duty consultation, launched in the wake of the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing in 2017, which creates a legal requirement for organisations to provide proportionate security measures.
Mike Reddington, Chief Executive at the BSIA, commented: “The recruitment of new security officers is essential for ensuring public safety – and it’s heartening to see security booming amid the economic uncertainty. More and more people are recognising the wide range of opportunities and career progression the sector offers for talent cut loose from elsewhere.
“As an industry body we’re working hard to improve the perception of the security industry and attract young people and women by highlighting the incredible role security officers play in keeping people and property safe and protected. There’s a lot more to the job than wearing a hi-vis vest.”
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
