The guarding contractor Securitas UK reports that it has introduced a minimum wage of £8.03 for security officers, 20 pence higher than the National Minimum Wage (currently £7.83). The new wage came into effect on April 1.
In November 2017, Securitas UK was accredited as a Recognised Service Provider by the Living Wage Foundation, a charity and accreditation body.
Securitas says that it has made a commitment to work towards paying all security officers the real Living Wage by the end of 2020 (which stands £8.75 across the UK and £10.20 in London). The company reports over 43pc of employees paid at this level.
Grainne Kelly, Human Resources and Securitas Operations Centre Director, said: “Securitas strives to improve the perception of security officers and the industry as a whole, and our commitment to the real Living Wage reflects this. The introduction of the Securitas minimum wage, at £8.03, is part of our journey towards the real Living Wage.
“We are working closely with existing and prospective clients, to offer the option to pay the real Living Wage – it’s important that clients see the benefits of our work with the Living Wage Foundation. We believe that all officers should earn a wage that meets the cost of living, and with the support of the GMB, are working hard to make this a reality.”
On the trade union side, Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, said: “GMB members working in the Security sector, responsible for protecting the public and their property, have for too long been undervalued. We applaud Securitas in being the first major security employer to give their employees the recognition they deserve and for working towards the Real Living Wage. The pay increase in April, raising all employees to at least 20p above the Government’s minimum wage, is a major step forward towards this goal.
“This is a wake-up call to the rest of the security industry and Securitas, working with the GMB, are leading the way.”
