SIA and HMRC operation to check on illegal working practices in the security industry

Teams attended a number of venues and spoke to security operatives to check the correct taxes were being paid and to ensure they were not victims of any labour abuse.

During the course of the targeted operation 29 venues were visited and 55 checks on operatives were carried out across the three cities. Further enquiries will be made to check on payments made in cash and any further taxes due.

Paul Fullwood, Director of Inspections and Enforcement, SIA said:

By working together our two organisations will educate businesses and through concerted action we will focus on those who fail to comply or manipulate the law. We want a level playing field for those legitimate businesses who play by the rules.

The SIA has been working with HMRC to educate security companies about which security staff they need to operate PAYE for. 2,500 more operatives are now correctly being paid through PAYE who were previously self-employed, protecting their rights and benefits.

Further information:

• The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities, and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
• In 2018 the SIA and HMRC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and agreed to share information about businesses and individuals working within the security sector in order to clamp down on those taking part in illegal working practices and tax fraud.
• For further information about the Security Industry Authority visit www.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority), LinkedIn and Twitter (SIAuk).