The UK security industry was valued at £10.5 billion in 2023. There are over 11,500 security companies in the UK. The sector has added 5,300 jobs in the last twelve months. The industry provides services which aim to protect people, property, and information from harm. Events, retail, and hospitals depend on security to minimize risks.
There were approximately 165,600 security guards working in the United Kingdom as of the first quarter of 2023. Hourly rates for security guards can vary depending on skills, experience, the company, and location. Rates typically range from $15 to $25 per hour in the US. In 2021, there were over 2.36 thousand security enterprises operating in London, and South East England had over 1.58 thousand. The region with the fewest was Northern Ireland, at 140.
Private security companies provide guard and patrol services such as bodyguard, guard dog, parking security, and security guard services. With a stream of visitors, multiple security guards are required to maintain security. It’s better to invite security companies to perform a survey and get insights on what security you need.
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There are approximately 360,000 licensed security operatives in the UK. "The security industry has increasingly become part of the police family," says Abbey Petkar. Security Guards UK is a National Security Guard provider with over 20 years of experience. They offer a free of charge site survey and risk assessment.
A recent survey of hotel security staff revealed that only a small percentage have returned to previous roles, indicating a shortage of qualified staff. Private-security companies across the country are unable to fill open roles with qualified officers. At the end of 2020, firms had forecasted a surge in guards, yet staff numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
"The security industry has increasingly become part of the police family," says Abbey Petkar. Guards use surveillance equipment to monitor behavior, with CCTV and patrols being common.
While UK security guards wear bright jackets, both UK and US guards wear heavy-duty boots for extra protection. Security guards in both regions aren’t allowed to perform arrests and can only conduct a citizen’s arrest. The main difference in authority is that American guards can use armed equipment, while UK guards cannot.
The global security industry is growing, with the UK sector outperforming the economy and other sectors. Mitie is officially the UK’s largest security company, earning £883 million across its businesses in 2022. The average UK security officer salary is £21,847 per year or £11.20 hourly. Entry-level roles start at £21,000 yearly, while most experienced workers make up to £26,413 annually. Unlike in some locations, G4S staff in the UK cannot carry firearms.
Over 80% of UK organizations suffered a successful cyberattack in 2021/2022, with 73% experiencing ransomware attacks over 12 months. The industry is currently facing staff shortages, with businesses needing to hire more qualified security staff to avoid issues. Costs are rising at a time when staff numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels.