SIA and HMRC check on illegal working practices in the security industry

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and HMRC carried out joint operations in London, Bradford and Glasgow last week to ensure that security staff were employed legitimately and treated fairly.

Teams attended a number of venues and spoke to security operatives.

During the course of the targeted operation 29 venues were visited and 55 checks on operatives were carried out across the three cities. Further enquiries will be made to check on payments made in cash and any further taxes due.

Paul Fullwood, Director of Inspections and Enforcement, SIA said:

“By working together our two organisations will educate businesses and through concerted action we will focus on those who fail to comply or manipulate the law. We want a level playing field for those legitimate businesses who play by the rules.

“The SIA has been working with HMRC to educate security companies about which security staff they need to operate PAYE for. 2,500 more operatives are now correctly being paid through PAYE who were previously self-employed, protecting their rights and benefits.”

It is estimated that at least 3,000 to 5,000 people across the UK are in forced labour conditions.

According to UN estimates, approximately 136,000 people were trafficked in the UK in 2018.