Security guards were being sacked because of delays in the police issuing them with licences, the General Workers’ Union said yesterday.

In a statement, the GWU said it was “seriously worried” about the delays.

The Sunday Times reported last week that just 37 security guards had been issued with the new Private Guard at a Place of Entertainment licence since it became mandatory, on June 30, to possess one to work in bars and clubs.

The GWU said the delay in processing and issuing licences was due to the police being unable to cope with the volume of work.

Some security guards applied for the licences three months ago and had still not had their applications approved, it said.

The licences are supposed to be issued by the Police Commissioner.

Security companies are dismissing employees whose old licences had expired and who did not have the new licences because it was illegal for them to work, the union said.

“The GWU expects the Police Commissioner to address this problem immediately and give concessions to security guards awaiting the renewal of their licences,” the union said.