The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the UK’s leading UKAS-accredited Certification Body in the security and fire safety sector, is supporting calls for security and fire safety employees to be classified as “key workers” to ensure their critical role in protecting society can continue uninterrupted during the COVID-19 crisis.
Whilst recent government measures advise the public to work remotely where possible, limit use of public transport and minimise social contact, it is vital private security companies can continue to maintain the daily safety and security of businesses, public spaces such as hospitals, schools, and wider communities.
The private security sector covers a diverse range of services, including Alarm Receiving Centres facilitating police response, security alarm and CCTV systems maintenance, monitoring centres, fire detection, security guarding, cash couriers and key holding services.
NSI supports calls from within the sector to ensure security screened personnel employed by companies approved by UKAS accredited specialist certification bodies such as NSI and SSAIB, and SIA Approved Contractors, are exempt from any restrictions on using necessary transport links, and so may be able to place their children in school.
NSI Chief Executive, Richard Jenkins, commented: “Classifying private security employees as ‘key workers’ will help to ensure the continued delivery of vital services, securing and safeguarding property and the public. The resources of public security and emergency services are already stretched and it is imperative the private security sector has the freedom it requires to contribute its full part in supporting colleagues in the emergency services at this crucial time.”
Meanwhile the NSI also delivers a robust continuous audit regime of approved companies through a dedicated team of in-house experts to verify compliance with relevant British and European Standards, Codes of Practice and Certification schemes developed by Industry Bodies and Associations.
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