Recent figures paint a stark picture of the challenges facing security professionals across the United Kingdom. According to the Security Industry Federation, frontline security officers are working under unprecedented pressure, facing everything from rising violence to mounting legal scrutiny, all whilst earning wages that haven’t kept pace with the cost of living.
At the same time, demand for security services has never been higher. The British Retail Consortium’s 2025 Crime Survey revealed that incidents of violence and abuse in retail settings climbed to over 2,000 per day in 2023-24, up from 1,300 the year before. This represents more than four times the level recorded in 2020, when there were just 455 incidents daily. It’s a troubling combination: more threats, more responsibility, and fewer people willing to take on the role.
Violence against security staff is routine
One of the most concerning aspects of working in security today is the routine nature of verbal abuse and physical threats. What was once considered an occasional occupational hazard has become a daily reality for many officers.
The statistics are sobering. The British Retail Consortium found that around 70 incidents per day involved a weapon in 2023-24, more than double the previous year. The Association of Convenience Stores’ 2024 Crime Report highlighted a huge increase in violent incidents, with around 76,000 incidents of violence in shops compared to 41,000 in the previous year’s report.
The Security Industry Federation reports that studies have shown more than 40% of security workers suffer with PTSD from their experiences. These experiences can often lead to disciplinary hearings and other stress-inducing situations, compounding the psychological toll of the job itself.
The legal tightrope gets narrower
Making matters worse, security officers now work under constant scrutiny. Body cameras record every interaction, and social media means that any incident, even when handled correctly, can be shared widely and taken out of context within hours.
The Security Industry Authority requires regular training updates, and the standards for maintaining a licence have become increasingly stringent. From April 2025, anyone renewing their door supervisor or security guard licence must complete mandatory SIA refresher training. This is generally positive for the industry’s professionalism, but it also means that officers face potential suspension or loss of livelihood over complaints that may not even be justified.
The Security Industry Federation notes that many of the cases they handle involve members who were simply carrying out their duties to the letter, yet still found themselves defending their actions in formal meetings. It’s a difficult position: you’re expected to maintain order and protect people, but any misstep can end your career.
Wages haven’t kept up with responsibilities
For all this pressure and risk, security work remains relatively low-paid. Basic security positions typically start around £11-13 per hour depending on location, barely above minimum wage. When you consider the responsibilities involved, the unsociable hours, and the genuine physical risk, it’s not surprising that recruitment and retention have become major challenges.
According to City Security Magazine, the government’s National Insurance contribution increases from April 2025 have added significant pressure on payroll expenses, whilst scheduled minimum wage increases further impact operational costs. These increased expenses haven’t translated into better wages for frontline staff. Companies are caught between rising operational costs and clients who often view security as a necessary expense to be minimised rather than a professional service worth investing in.
The impact of Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law, which received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, represents a fundamental shift in how security is viewed in the UK. Named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the legislation makes certain security measures a legal requirement rather than an optional service.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 requires those responsible for certain premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack and take appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability. For the industry, this means higher standards and greater accountability. Security providers must now demonstrate competence in regulatory compliance, staff training, and documentation systems.
The Security Industry Authority has been established as the regulator overseeing compliance with these requirements. It’s no longer enough to simply provide bodies in uniform; firms need to show they understand the legal framework and can support clients in meeting their obligations. This is positive for professional security officers who have invested in their training and take their role seriously. However, it also increases the pressure on individuals to maintain standards whilst working in an environment that’s already challenging enough.
Mental health takes a toll
The combined effect of all these factors is a growing mental health crisis among security professionals. Working irregular hours, dealing with aggressive behaviour, managing the stress of legal accountability, and doing it all for relatively low pay creates conditions that are mentally and physically exhausting.
The Security Industry Federation has highlighted rising mental health issues as one of the key challenges facing the workforce. With more than 40% of security workers experiencing PTSD, and these experiences often leading to additional stress through disciplinary proceedings, the psychological burden is substantial. Yet support services specifically tailored to security professionals remain limited. Many officers feel isolated, unable to discuss the challenges of their role with people who don’t understand the unique pressures of the job.
People are leaving the industry
Unsurprisingly, recruitment and retention have become critical issues. The SIA’s data reveals approximately 455,761 active licence holders across the UK, but the industry needs tens of thousands more to keep pace with demand. Fewer people are entering the field, and experienced officers are looking for other work.
Some leave for better-paid positions in other sectors. Others simply burn out after years of dealing with the pressures described above. City Security Magazine notes that the security industry faces difficulties within a broader labour market where nearly one third of businesses are experiencing labour shortages, and analysis suggests the problem may continue to compound, especially as fewer young individuals enter the field.
For those considering entering security, these staffing shortages do create opportunities. There’s work available, and firms are more willing to invest in training and development than they were a few years ago. However, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations about what the job actually entails.
What needs to change
The Security Industry Federation and other trade bodies are pushing for several changes that would improve conditions for frontline officers. Top of the list is better legal protection, specifically legislation that recognises assaulting a security worker as a more serious offence, similar to protections that exist for emergency service personnel.
The government has shown some awareness of these issues. The Crime and Policing Bill is set to create a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, with up to six months in prison and unlimited fines. However, there remains uncertainty about whether this protection will extend to all security workers or be limited to retail staff.
There’s also a need for better wages that reflect the genuine skill and responsibility involved in professional security work. As Martyn’s Law raises standards and increases the professional expectations placed on security officers, compensation needs to follow suit.
Training and support for mental health is another area requiring investment. Security firms need to recognise that looking after their staff’s wellbeing isn’t just ethically right, it’s also essential for retention and performance.
Finally, there’s work to be done in changing public perception of security work. This isn’t just about standing at a door looking stern; modern security roles require customer service skills, conflict resolution abilities, first aid knowledge, and the judgement to handle complex situations under pressure. It’s skilled, professional work, and it should be recognised and compensated as such.
The importance of union representation
One development that offers some hope is the growth of proper union representation for security workers. The Security Industry Federation, as a trade union built specifically for security professionals, provides representation in disciplinary meetings, legal advice, and advocacy for better conditions.
Having representation matters. When you’re facing a complaint or disciplinary action, having someone who understands the industry and can advocate on your behalf makes a significant difference. It also means security workers have a collective voice when pushing for legislative changes and better working conditions.
For anyone entering the security industry, joining a union should be an early consideration. The membership fees are modest compared to the value of the support available when you need it.
Looking ahead
The UK security industry is at a crossroads. Demand for professional security services continues to grow, driven by legislation like Martyn’s Law, increased threat levels, and rising crime. The British Retail Consortium reports that theft incidents hit an all-time high of over 20 million in 2023-24, which equates to over 55,000 incidents per day.
Yet the conditions that make security work unappealing threaten the industry’s ability to meet this demand. Something has to give. Either working conditions, legal protections, and wages improve enough to attract and retain qualified staff, or the industry will face a genuine crisis in service provision. The latter outcome would have implications far beyond the security sector itself, affecting public safety and business operations across the country.
For those considering security as a career, it’s worth understanding both sides of this picture. Yes, there are challenges and pressures that shouldn’t be underestimated. But there’s also growing recognition that these issues need addressing, and positive changes are starting to happen. The industry needs good people, and for those willing to work through the current difficult period, there are genuine opportunities for employment and progression.
Just make sure you understand what you’re signing up for, and don’t expect the job to match the sanitised version sometimes presented in training courses. The reality of frontline security work in 2025 is demanding, occasionally dangerous, and not always fairly compensated. But for those who go in with their eyes open, it can also be meaningful work that makes a real difference to public safety.
