The security industry in the UK employs hundreds of thousands of people across diverse settings, from retail stores and construction sites to corporate offices and entertainment venues. According to recent SIA data, there are approximately 455,761 active licence holders across the country. But what does working in security actually involve, and what do you need to know before entering this field?
The legal requirements: you cannot work without proper licensing
The first thing anyone considering security work must understand is that working without an SIA licence is illegal. The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security industry, and if you’re caught working in a licensable role without the proper credentials, both you and your employer can face criminal prosecution.
To obtain your licence, you’ll need to complete an SIA-approved training course. The most common routes are the Security Guarding course or Door Supervision course, both typically lasting 3-4 days. The training covers crucial topics including conflict management, physical intervention, health and safety, and your legal powers and limitations.
After completing your training, you’ll need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This criminality check is thorough, and you must declare all cautions and convictions, even spent ones. The SIA assesses each application individually, and whilst minor historical offences won’t automatically disqualify you, anything involving dishonesty, violence, or drugs will be scrutinised carefully.
The entire process, from starting your training to receiving your physical licence card, typically takes 6-8 weeks. As of October 2024, a new three-year licence costs £220, with renewals at £210. This is a cost you’ll need to factor into your career planning, as maintaining your licence is essential for continued employment.
The daily reality: more than standing around
There’s a common misconception that security work involves simply standing at a door looking intimidating. The reality is far more complex and demanding. According to industry guidance, modern security officers must balance multiple responsibilities throughout their shifts.
A typical day involves regular patrols, whether on foot or by vehicle, monitoring premises for suspicious activity or safety hazards. You’ll be checking doors and windows, operating CCTV systems, and maintaining detailed logs of everything you observe. Documentation and report writing are crucial aspects of the role – these aren’t just paperwork exercises, but legal documents that may be critical for insurance claims or police investigations.
Access control forms another major part of the job. You’ll be verifying identification, managing visitor logs, and ensuring only authorised personnel enter restricted areas. In retail settings, this extends to active monitoring of customer behaviour, watching for potential theft whilst also providing excellent customer service.
The dual nature of modern security work cannot be overstated. You’re simultaneously a deterrent to criminal activity and often the first point of contact for visitors and customers. This means you need both authority and approachability – a balance that takes time and experience to develop properly.
Understanding your legal powers and limitations
One of the most critical things to understand about working in security is that you have no more legal powers than any member of the public. Despite wearing a uniform and being employed to protect property, security guards are not police officers.
You can use reasonable force in specific circumstances: self-defence, defence of others, preventing a crime, or carrying out a citizen’s arrest if you have reasonable grounds to suspect someone has committed an offence. However, the force used must be proportionate and necessary. This is where proper training becomes essential – understanding the difference between reasonable restraint and assault can mean the difference between doing your job correctly and facing criminal charges yourself.
The consequences of overstepping your authority can be severe. Court cases involving security guards who have used excessive force or made unlawful arrests demonstrate how quickly situations can escalate into legal nightmares. In one high-profile case from 2014, a security guard at a Liverpool train station unlawfully arrested and assaulted a passenger, resulting in a five-figure compensation payout. The victim suffered a broken tooth, psychological trauma including PTSD, and the case attracted significant media attention.
Similarly, a 2018 incident at a restaurant saw a security guard forcibly remove a customer who was innocent of any wrongdoing. The guard had mistakenly believed the customer had thrown food at him, and without proper investigation, physically restrained and removed her from the premises. The resulting compensation claim settled for £7,100 – a reminder that even brief incidents of excessive force can have serious financial and professional consequences.
The risks are real and increasing
Working in security inevitably involves exposure to risk. The British Retail Consortium’s 2025 Crime Survey revealed that incidents of violence and abuse in retail climbed to over 2,000 per day in 2023-24, with around 70 incidents per day involving weapons. For security officers working in these environments, this represents a tangible daily threat.
The case of Abdul, a supermarket security guard, illustrates the devastating impact such violence can have. After ten years of dedicated service, often working seven consecutive days to support his family, Abdul was the victim of a racially motivated assault whilst on his break. Struck from behind with no warning, he suffered a broken hip and shattered femur requiring multiple operations and extensive rehabilitation. Unable to return to work and facing ongoing difficulties from his injuries, his case highlights both the physical dangers of security work and the importance of employer support following such incidents.
Not all security workers handle the pressures appropriately, however. A particularly disturbing 2024 case saw an Essex security guard sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting serious crimes. His previous convictions for attempted kidnap and false imprisonment dating back to 2006 and 2008 raise serious questions about screening processes, though it should be noted that the SIA’s enhanced criminality checking procedures have since been strengthened considerably.
The sectors and specialisms available
Security work isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. The sector offers diverse opportunities across different environments, each with its own challenges and requirements.
Retail security remains one of the largest employers. You’ll be dealing with shoplifters, managing difficult customers, and maintaining a visible deterrent whilst also providing customer service. The work can be repetitive but requires constant vigilance.
Construction site security typically involves longer, quieter shifts with more patrol work and less public interaction. You might be working alone on remote sites, which requires self-sufficiency and alertness during hours of minimal activity.
Corporate and office security tends to be more professional in atmosphere, with greater emphasis on access control, visitor management, and emergency procedures. The work is generally less confrontational but requires strong customer service skills.
Door supervision in licensed premises like pubs and nightclubs is perhaps the most challenging role. You’re dealing with intoxicated individuals, potential violence, and the need to make quick decisions in chaotic environments. This role requires additional training in conflict management and often attracts higher pay to reflect the increased risk.
Event security involves managing crowds at concerts, festivals, and sporting events. The work is irregular but can be exciting, and experienced event security professionals are in high demand.
Beyond these core areas, there are specialist roles in close protection, CCTV operation, cash and valuables in transit, and key holding. Each requires additional qualifications and licensing, but can offer career progression and higher earnings for those willing to invest in their professional development.
The reality of pay and conditions
It’s important to be realistic about earnings in security. Starting salaries typically range from £18,000 to £22,000 annually, with hourly rates of £11-13 depending on location and sector. In London, rates tend to be slightly higher, but still barely above minimum wage for basic positions.
Night shifts and weekend work usually attract premium rates, which is why many security officers specifically seek these hours. Specialist roles command better pay – door supervision at high-end venues, close protection work, and positions requiring additional qualifications can pay significantly more, though these roles typically go to experienced professionals rather than newcomers.
Working conditions vary enormously. You might have a comfortable heated office with regular breaks, or you could be patrolling outdoor sites in all weather with minimal facilities. Shift patterns are often unsociable – nights, weekends, and bank holidays are standard. This can make maintaining a social life and family relationships challenging.
The importance of professional development
The security industry is becoming increasingly professional, and those who invest in their development will have better career prospects. From April 2025, anyone renewing their door supervisor or security guard licence must complete mandatory SIA refresher training, reflecting the industry’s commitment to maintaining standards.
Beyond basic licensing, consider additional qualifications in first aid, conflict management, or specialist areas like CCTV operation. The introduction of Martyn’s Law in April 2025 has increased the professional expectations placed on security officers, particularly around understanding terrorism protection measures and emergency response procedures.
Many successful security professionals use the industry as a stepping stone into related fields like police work, prison service, or facilities management. Others progress into supervisory and management roles within security companies. The key is to view your initial licence not as the end of your training, but as the beginning of ongoing professional development.
Mental health and support systems
The Security Industry Federation reports that more than 40% of security workers suffer with PTSD from their experiences. The combination of irregular hours, exposure to violence and abuse, legal pressures, and relatively low pay creates conditions that can be mentally and physically exhausting.
Support services specifically for security professionals remain limited, which is why union representation has become increasingly important. The Security Industry Federation provides members with representation in disciplinary meetings, legal advice, and advocacy for better conditions. For anyone entering security, joining a union should be an early consideration – the modest membership fees are insignificant compared to the value of having professional support when facing complaints or difficult situations.
Is security work right for you?
Security work isn’t for everyone, and it’s better to understand this before investing time and money in training. The role requires physical and mental strength, excellent communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and genuine integrity. You’ll need to be comfortable with irregular hours, able to stay alert during quiet periods, and prepared to deal with confrontational situations.
If you’re considering entering the industry, research thoroughly. Speak to people already working in security if possible. Understand that the reality of the job often differs from how it’s portrayed in training courses or recruitment materials. The work can be challenging, occasionally dangerous, and not always fairly compensated.
However, for those suited to it, security work offers stable employment in a growing industry. With over 55,000 incidents of theft occurring daily in retail alone, and new legislation like Martyn’s Law creating additional demand for qualified professionals, there’s no shortage of work available. The industry needs good people who understand the responsibilities, can maintain professional standards, and are willing to do the job properly.
If you decide to proceed, make sure you choose an SIA-approved training provider and understand all the costs involved. Budget for your training, licence fees, and the time it takes to get fully qualified and working. Go in with realistic expectations, invest in your professional development, and take the legal and safety aspects of the role seriously.
The UK security sector offers genuine opportunities for those willing to work hard and maintain high standards. Just make sure you understand what you’re signing up for before you commit to this demanding but important line of work.
