If you work in security or are thinking about getting into the industry, you need to know what’s happening right now. The landscape is changing fast, and honestly, it’s both concerning and full of opportunity for UK security workers.
The Government Just Issued a Wake-Up Call
Last week, the UK government published something that should grab everyone’s attention: the National Security Strategy 2025. And it’s not your typical policy document filled with bureaucratic language. This one comes with a stark warning that we need to “actively prepare for the possibility of the UK coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario”.
Let that sink in for a moment. We’re not talking about distant threats anymore. The government is telling us to prepare for the possibility of conflict on home soil. This isn’t fear-mongering – it’s a reality check based on what security experts are seeing around the world.
What does this mean for UK security workers? It means your role just became more critical than ever. The government is committing to spending 5% of GDP on national security by 2035 – that’s the highest level since 1945. This kind of investment doesn’t happen unless there’s serious recognition that security threats are real and growing.
For those looking to build a career in this expanding field, our security training programmes provide the foundation you need to succeed.
Retail Workers Are Under Attack
Whilst we’re dealing with national security concerns, there’s another crisis happening right in front of us. If you’ve worked retail security, you probably already know this, but the numbers are staggering. According to the latest government data, there were 737,000 incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers in just one year. That’s over 2,000 incidents every single day.
Think about that – every day, more than 2,000 retail workers face violence or abuse. And it’s getting worse. The British Retail Consortium reports that violence and abuse incidents jumped from 475,000 to 737,000 in just one year. That’s a 55% increase.
The human cost is devastating. Recent surveys show that 77% of retail workers have been verbally abused in the past year, 53% received threats of violence, and 10% were physically assaulted. Over 80% of Co-op workers say they feel unsafe due to understaffing, with many forced to work alone despite the rising violence.
This isn’t just about statistics – it’s about real people going to work every day, wondering if they’ll be safe. And it’s creating a crisis in the industry, with many workers considering leaving because of the abuse they face.
The Cyber Threat Is Real Too
It’s not just physical security we need to worry about. Just last week, Glasgow City Council was hit by a cyberattack that’s still causing problems a week later. Major retailers like Co-op, Harrods, and Marks & Spencer have all suffered serious cyber breaches this year, compromising millions of customer records.
The Legal Aid Agency had to make temporary operational changes due to a cyber incident. We’re seeing a pattern here – cyber criminals are getting bolder and more sophisticated, and they’re targeting everything from local councils to major retailers.
What This Means for Your Career
Here’s where it gets interesting for existing UK security workers or those thinking about joining the industry. All of these challenges are creating unprecedented demand for professional security services. Companies and organisations are finally realising they can’t cut corners on security anymore.
The government is taking action too. The new Crime and Policing Bill creates a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, with up to six months in prison and unlimited fines. They’re also removing the perceived immunity for shop theft under £200, making it clear that all theft will be treated seriously.
But legislation alone won’t solve the problem. We need more trained, professional UK security workers. And that’s where the opportunity lies.
The Industry Is Stepping Up
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has already implemented new requirements. From April 2025, anyone renewing their door supervisor or security guard licence must complete mandatory SIA refresher training. It’s not optional anymore – the industry is raising its standards.
Major security companies are responding to the increased demand. This includes strong recruitment drives across multiple regions and security officer vacancies in various locations across the UK. The message is clear: there’s never been a better time to be a qualified security professional.
Getting Ready for What’s Coming
If you’re already in the industry, make sure you’re up to date with the new training requirements. The SIA refresher training isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s designed to ensure you have the latest skills and knowledge to deal with evolving threats.
Whether you’re looking to get your first SIA licence or renew an existing one, staying informed about industry trends is crucial. The security landscape is evolving fast, and proper training is more important than ever.
For those new to the industry, understanding the different career paths available is important. From door supervisor roles to CCTV operations, there are numerous opportunities to build a rewarding career in security.
The Bottom Line
We’re living through a pivotal moment for UK security. National threats are growing, retail crime is spiralling, and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. But with challenge comes opportunity.
The government, employers, and the public are finally recognising what security professionals have always known – that good security isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. The industry is investing in better training, higher standards, and more professional recognition for UK security workers.
If you’re thinking about getting into security, now is the time. The industry is professionalising rapidly, and there’s strong demand for people who take the role seriously and get proper training. For those willing to step up and meet these challenges with proper SIA training courses, such as those offered by Get Licensed, the opportunities have never been better.
The question isn’t whether the security industry will grow – it’s whether you’ll be ready to grow with it.
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