GMB launch campaign tackling violence towards private security workers
A brand new GMB website has been launched where security guards can log details of attacks they have suffered at work. In the past 2 years 1,550 security staff working for just 35 companies out of 600+ companies have been injured on duty by violent attacks - some very seriously. GMB, the main union for security staff has launch a new SafeGuard campaign to tackle the increasing number of attacks on security guards at work. GMB is asking all Britain’s security companies to sign the GMB SafeGuard Charter committing them to act to tackle the attacks on 350,000 licensed security staff in the course of their work. GMB members who work as Security Officers launch this GMB SafeGuard campaign as a direct result of the increased abuse and violent attacks that they have seen, dealt with, or been subjected to in recent times.
Security officers understand there is a risk of violence in the work they carry out.What they do not accept is that violent attacks and abuse against them must simply be tolerated as‘part of the job’.
GMB SafeGuard aims to raise safety and industry standards,improve employment practices,and increase training and awareness across the industry.Security officers want the highly valuable and
professional service that they deliver to be recognised and for the industry to adopt a high profile zero tolerance approach.
· To work together to reduce attacks across the industry
· Provide support and counselling for trauma and physical injuries
· Protect injured officers financially through sick pay and Injury on Duty schemes–no officer should suffer financial loss as a result of being attacked for simply doing their job
· Provide robust and high quality training in conflict management
· Establish an industry level Code of Practice that focuses on reducing risk to security officers
· Record and analyse data on attacks across the security industry,and to work with Police authorities to reduce the risk of crime and violent attacks
· To use technology to enhance safety and support for security officers
GMB members say its time for employers and clients to reduce violence against security officers,raise standards and put dignity,respect and zero tolerance at the heart of service delivery.
Every attack is a crime against the person and the industry needs to send a clearmessage out that this will not be tolerated.Security officers provide vital services,but they need to know
they will be protected and that the industry is seriously committed to improve safety standards and officers’welfare.
GMB security members want dignity as individuals,and respect for the professional job they do and this cannot be achieved unless security officers are valued and supported by the basic,
but important principles and practices the GMB SafeGuard Charter seeks to achieve.
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