The security industry

With more than 18 years’ experience in security, of which more than five years in the private sector, I totally agree with the Government that precarious work in security needs to be tackled.

The Government must not only manage to eliminate precarious work by refusing to contract companies that do not adhere to employment legislation but also change the legislation itself.

The standard of the security services needs to be upgraded. The Government must keep in mind that security services are not only deployed at banks, factories, hospitals and for the transportation of valuables but also at other important but very vulnerable locations around the island. As a member of the European Union, Malta must adopt high security standards in our ports and at the airport.

During my studies in security, I looked at the security industry in the UK, where there is a security authority which enforces, adopts and approves the licences. These apply not only to security personnel but also firms and consultants offering security services. Very strict requirements need to be attained to obtain a licence. Unfortunately, sometimes here in Malta individuals can be identified working legally as security personnel when they do not have a clean police conduct.

To eliminate precarious work the Government should adopt high standards to be reached by any person or firm that wants to work in security. It’s time to establish an independent authority and stricter legislation for the security industry. The mentality and culture of hiring a security guard to perform duties as a ‘watchman’ must be abandoned.