ABSTRACT
The traditional security sector—defined as the supply of general security services such as security guards, physical access control and CCTV/video surveillance 1 —is an expanding, multibillion euro market in Europe but is still generally characterised by low pay, poor training, dubious employment practices at times and segmentation between legal and ‘cowboy’ firms operating on the boundaries of legal regulations. The market for the provision of security services is very competitive (EC 2009) and is driven by business clients seeking to purchase effective services at minimum cost—typically perceiving it as a ‘grudge purchase’ (Fernie 2011). Firms range from global suppliers, such as G4S with operations in more than 100 countries, a turnover in 2010 of more than £7billion and a workforce of 625,000, 2 to the raft of small firms and self-employed individuals who provide services direct to clients or via a supply chain of contracts coordinated by larger security firms. Like the business cleaning sector, trade unions have a relatively weak presence in the security sector and have to devote time and energy to enhancing the reputation of the sector (typically with limited state support), including campaigning for compliance with the minimum wage, proper licensing and improved skill development, as well as the traditional campaigns focused on worker mobilisation and pay.
