Demand that the Security Industry Authority strips Close Protection of Approved Contractor Status – #jubileestewards

So, you are hosting a major event. You want to bring in a firm that is “fit and proper” to provide security. You want a firm that treats its employees with appropriate “care”. Well according to the Security Industry Authority, you can get all of that and more from Close Protection – the firm whose workers slept under London Bridge the night before the Jubilee.

The SIA is the government sponsored body that regulates the security industry. No firm has to sign up to them. However, in theory, they assure quality by handing out “Approved Contractor Status” to those firms that meet the required standard. According to the organisation’s own literature, “An SIA Approved Contractor develops and implements plans to ensure its people are suitably trained, developed and cared for”. An SIA appvoed firm is one whose people “are provided with appropriate benefits and welfare arrangements”.

Indeed , in recommending that businesses stick to using firms with Approved Contractor Status, the SIA states the following about such firms:

The employment practices of your supplier will have been thoroughly assessed for good practice, including employee screening*, benefits, training and conditions (emphasis added).

So, it is rather surprising to see that Close Protection is listed by the SIA as an Approved Contractor. The conditions under which its unpaid and underpaid staff are reported to have worked and slept during the jubilee are hardly indicative of a firm that takes due care of its employees. And the fact that such a firm has Approved Contractor Status raises serious questions about the integrity of the SIA’s assurances.

I will be writing to the SIA to suggest that they urgently investigate the status and practices of Close Protection. I suggest that you do the same.

To contact Reuben email reuben@thethirdestate.net