Security workers ‘on 90 hour week’

MIGRANT workers employed to provide security are being forced by their unscrupulous employers to work up to 90 hours a week, it was claimed yesterday.

As a survey revealed more than half of all security firms have no quality standards, a leading industry figure said that he hoped legislation to regulate companies will help root out rogue operators.

Les McLindon, president of the Irish Security Industry Association, said there was “anecdotal evidence” that some companies are operated by criminals.

He added that workers from Eastern Europe were being exploited by some firms, and were sometimes forced to work “80 or 90 hours a week.”

The survey, commissioned by the association and carried out by Lansdowne Market Research, revealed that 53% of companies had not received a quality standard mark. The ISIA said this was surprising, given that many purchasers require recognisable standards as part of the tendering process.

Nearly 70 companies, of the near 250 nationwide, were contacted by researchers. Around 12,500 people are employed as security guards, while the total numbers of employees in the industry is estimated to be close to 20,000. The annual turnover is believed to be more than €350 million. Three quarters of those contacted believe the industry is comparatively poorly regulated, while 94% said some companies give the industry a bad name.

“It is not unfair to say that some companies may pose a risk in themselves,” said Mr McLindon.

The Private Security Services Act, enacted earlier this year, will lead to a new licensing and regulatory authority.

Mr McLindon said: “Clearly this industry needs to be regulated and hopefully the introduction of licensing will add to the overall standards.

“It is remarkable that so many security purchasers are engaging security companies that have no link to umbrella organisations or are unable to provide a recognised quality certification.

“For purchasers to engage security companies who are unable to certify vetting, training, supervision and accountability just beggars belief.”

Of the 68 companies surveyed, 43% were not members of an employers’ organisation, either the ISIA or the National Union of Security Employers.

While it is in the financial interests of the larger established firms to force out the unregulated smaller operators, it also leads to better working conditions and pay for employees, according to the ISIA.

Five large companies, one with nearly 1000 employees, 15 medium and 47 small companies were contacted by researchers.

Security in numbers

20,000 - estimated number of employees

244 - estimated number of companies

350 - annual turnover, in millions

80 - percentage of permanent employees

75 - percentage of employers who believe the industry is poorly regulated

10 - percentage who have no idea how long their staff have been working for them

3 - percentage who have no idea whether their staff are permanent or temporary.