Possible end to the SIA
This week has seen Home Secretary, Theresa May confirm her intention to review the existing Security Industry Authority with the view to scrapping the scheme altogether.
The SIA which was set up earlier this decade to help regulate the private security industry for the likes of bouncers and bodyguards was set up with the intention of bringing much needed regulation to an area of work which showed exposure to drug dealing, money laundering and extortion. However, if Theresa May’s plans go ahead, we could see the scheme removed altogether and the security industry left to be self-regulated.
We have taken this opportunity to speak with Brendan Wincott, mhl support’s Employment Law Compliance Officer, to see what this latest news may mean for employers.
Brendan explained that “this is a substantial proposal that could have some drastic implications, not least on employers who operate in this area, or those who use the services of bouncers or private security guards. I have seen a number of clients run into potential difficulty when staff members lose or have their SIA licence suspended, which left ignored, could cost employers if discovered by the SIA. However, with advice from our Support Line, situations can be avoided and such staff members potentially dismissed.”
Brendan went on to explain that “there is no clear decision made yet whether the scheme will be scrapped or not, but one thing that we do know for certain is that there will be thoughts from both sides, with some seeing this as a positive move, whilst others may be sceptical that the problems that first caused the scheme to be introduced may return. Only time will tell if the industry can be truly self-regulated.”
Theresa May is reported to be focusing her rationale for the proposal on costs savings both for the Government and for employers. Brendan explained that “with SIA licence applications now costing £245, you can see why these changes will be welcomed by security firms.” Brendan concluded by explaining that “no set decisions have been made yet, so we will have to wait more developments before we know for sure what the future has in store.”
If you have any questions about this news release and are an existing client, please call one of the team today on 08453 100 999 quoting your PCN number to discuss the situation with one of our employment law specialist. If however you are not yet a client of mhl, but are interested in learning more about the services mhl provide, please call Katy Vaughan today on 08453 100 600 for your free no obligation quote.
This News Release is intended to provide a general overview and discussion of the subject matter. It is not however, intended to give advice or to act as a substitute to taking legal advice from our Support Line in any specific situation. Mhl accepts no liability or responsibility for the information contained within this news release. If you would like specific advice about this subject matter, please contact one of the Employment Law Team today on 08453 100 999.
