Security from £15.95+VAT an hour*
Security from £15.95+VAT an hour*
11 April 2023
Security guards play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of people, properties, and assets in the United Kingdom. However, like any other profession, security guards face their own unique set of challenges. In this blog, we will explore the current problems faced by security guards in the UK. These challenges include increasing demands and responsibilities, high turnover rates, low wages, lack of job security, mental health issues, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the security industry.
The role of security guards has evolved over time, with increasing demands and responsibilities. Today, security guards are expected to handle a wide range of tasks, including monitoring surveillance systems, conducting searches, managing access control, responding to emergencies, and dealing with difficult situations and people. The increasing workload and responsibilities can result in high levels of stress, fatigue, and burnout among security guards.
The security industry in the UK faces high turnover rates, with many security guards leaving their jobs within a short period of time. This can be attributed to various factors, including the demanding nature of the work, low wages, and lack of job satisfaction or career advancement opportunities. High turnover rates can result in increased costs for employers in terms of recruitment, training, and onboarding, and can also impact the quality of security services provided.
Despite the crucial role they play in maintaining safety and security, security guards in the UK often face low wages. Many security guards are paid at or near the minimum wage, which can make it challenging for them to meet their basic needs and sustain a decent standard of living. Low wages can lead to financial stress, job dissatisfaction, and may even push security guards to seek additional employment, leading to increased fatigue and reduced performance on the job.
Job security can be a concern for security guards in the UK, as security contracts are often awarded on a temporary or contract basis. This can result in uncertainty about job stability, with security guards not knowing if their contracts will be renewed or if they will need to find new employment after their current contracts expire. The lack of job security can contribute to stress, anxiety, and instability in the lives of security guards.
Working as a security guard can take a toll on the mental health of individuals. Security guards may face stressful and challenging situations on a daily basis, including dealing with emergencies, conflicts, and confrontations. Over time, this can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, mental health support and resources may not always be readily available or accessible for security guards, exacerbating the problem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the security industry in the UK. With increased health and safety protocols, changing work environments, and economic uncertainties, security guards have faced additional challenges. This includes enforcing social distancing measures, managing access control for health and safety reasons, dealing with conflicts arising from mask mandates or other pandemic-related rules, and potential health risks from exposure to the virus in the course of their work.
In conclusion, security guards in the UK face a range of challenges in their day-to-day work. These challenges include increasing demands and responsibilities, high turnover rates, low wages, lack of job security, mental health issues, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for employers, policymakers, and the security industry as a whole to address these challenges and take steps to improve the working conditions and well-being of security guards.