August 14, 2002—Possible changes to the UK Working Time Regulations could greatly affect security companies and their customers, warns British Security Industry Association (BSIA). According to the Chief Executive of the BSIA, David Dickinson:
“Legislation insisting on a 48-hour week will force the situation. We may also lose the ’12 hour night shift derogation’. If this happens, we estimate that manned security contracts will require up to 50% more staff, and consequently cost around 30% more. Customers will need to budget for these changes.
“Of course such amendments will also affect other parts of the industry, for example alarm receiving centres and service engineers. Apart from number of hours, there may be an impact on the length of shifts that will be permissible or practical.”
The BSIA is advising security companies not to enter into long-term contracts with ‘inflation only’ clauses at the present, and to have exemption clauses that will take effect if legislation or regulations are changed.
Based on a report from the Workplacelaw Network
