With an eye to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) reports that it will be working with construction firms in the city to ensure that they operate within the law.
From November, it became illegal to work in certain designated security roles in Scotland without an SIA licence. The SIA has written to major contractors reminding them that, by law, only SIA licensed security guards can protect their sites. Failure to do so could lead to the prosecution of individuals and their employer.
The authority points to the example of Liverpool which recently saw a large rise in construction and regeneration projects due to its selection as European City of Culture 2008. Merseyside Police, working with the SIA, DWP, HMRC and Immigration, began Operation Seahog to check the legitimacy of security staff and crack down on what the authorities term ‘turf wars’. Since the launch of this campaign, some 620 construction sites have been visited leading to 138 criminal convictions. The SIA is urging contractors to act now.
Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland, said: “It is an extremely exciting time for the people of Glasgow. The successful bid for the Commonwealth Games will bring great prosperity to the city. Along with other businesses, the construction industry in Scotland will benefit from a more professional private security service. Those working in the security industry have already begun to see the introduction of licensing as a positive development.
“With the success of Operation Seahog in driving out criminality and driving up standards in security provision, we want to work closely with the Scottish construction industry and our police partners as we all have a job to do in ensuring the Games are a success. It is vital that only trained, qualified and checked security staff are allowed to work on these sites. The construction phase is going to be ongoing, so we will be keeping an eye on its progress.”
