Date: 30th January 2008
Source: BBC News
'Illegals' free for security work
At least 4,000 illegal workers have yet to be banned from taking security jobs, despite the passing of a deadline set by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
On 13 December she said 11,100 people were being warned their Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work would be revoked in 42 days.
Of these, 6,653 were known to be working illegally in the UK and 4,447 were suspected of doing so, she said.
But although the 42 days is now up only about 2,700 licences have been revoked.
The SIA said the process was "ongoing".
Multiple licences
The figure of 2,700 includes British nationals who have lost the right to work in the security industry because of criminal or improper behaviour since the SIA started in 2003.
The actual number of illegal workers who have lost their licence is likely to be lower because many have more than one licence, such as for working as a security guard and monitoring CCTV.
Ms Smith said a "significant proportion" of those with a question mark over them may yet prove they were legally able to seek work.
An SIA spokesman said: "We are still working through the names. It is an ongoing process.
"We are updating the register all the time, but there are a lot to work through."
Shadow home secretary David Davis laid the blame firmly with the government.
"Despite the serious threat posed by this shambles, the government have shown trademark complacency in dealing with it," he said.
"This shows they are part of the problem, not the solution."
The month before Ms Smith's announcement ministers thought only 5,000 people had been wrongly cleared to work in security.
Prime minister's car
The problem emerged after an enforcement operation in April discovered 44 people working at a security company who did not have the right to work in the UK.
Twelve had been sub-contracted to a company that provided staff to guard locations under Metropolitan Police contracts.
Others were employed at ports and airports, and one man had been guarding government cars including the prime minister's.
The SIA was set up to vet applicants for security jobs, and allows those who are successful to work on pub and club doors as well as in sensitive security posts.
An SIA licence shows a successful applicant has undergone training, plus identity and criminal record checks.
The responsibility to prove someone is entitled to work in the UK rests with employers.
Since 2 July the SIA has introduced new immigration status checks to provide a "double lock" on illegal working.
BBC News
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Date: 29th January 2008
Source: Nottinghamshire Police
Security staff to get terror advice
Take part in Project Griffin
Security personnel and door staff are being offered the chance to learn how to protect their organisations against the threat of terrorism.
Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council are inviting businesses to take part in Project Griffin, at no cost to themselves, to help them prepare their response in the event of a terrorist attack.
The police and City Council want to work with partner organisations, stakeholders and the community to enhance their capacity to deal with the threat of terrorism.
There are three strands to Project Griffin:
The awareness session includes updates from Special Branch on current threat levels and trends and a talk from the Bomb Disposal Team.
The conference call provides regular updates, not only in relation to terrorism, but also current crime trends and other security issues.
The response comes when, in emergencies, Griffin-aware staff are asked to wear their fluorescent vests and provide a high-profile presence outside premises, reassuring staff and customers and assisting with any evacuation or cordons needed.
The awareness sessions for 2008 will take place between 09.00 and 13.00 at Central Police Station, North Church Street, Nottingham on the following dates:
- Wednesday 5th March
- Thursday 3rd April
- Tuesday 6th May
- Tuesday 21st October
- Wednesday 3rd December.
Contact Nottingham City Council Emergency Planning Office - 0115 9154781 or email Steve.tinley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for a booking form
Nottinghamshire Police
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Date: 28th January 2008
Source: Info4Security
94% of door staff compliant over festive period
Ninety-four percent of door staff checked in the multi-agency Festive Spice campaign were correctly licensed, according to the SIA.
Over the festive period, the SIA and partners checked the SIA licensing status of staff at over 300 licensed premises
Out of 900 door supervisors checked, 49 were warned for offences of working without a SIA licence or not displaying their licence and two forged SIA licences were found.
Jackie Munn, a SIA Head of Investigation and Festive Spice lead said: “The results for Festive Spice are very positive. Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times for the licensed trade that is why, for public safety, it is vital that door staff are trained, qualified and SIA licensed.”
She added: “Door staff have an important role to play in the fight against criminal activity, anti-social behaviour and underage drinking on licensed premises.”
It is an offence to work as a door supervisor (in house and contract) in Great Britain without an SIA licence. A Door Supervisor licence is required if manned guarding activities are undertaken in relation to licensed premises.
The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or employing unlicensed staff is six months’ imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000.
Info4Security
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Date: 24th January 2008
Source: Aberystwyth Today
Doorman given compensation for racial abuse
RACIAL abuse by a Rhydyfelin woman has led to a compensation payout for a Polish door steward.
Appearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court, Diane Parry, had entered early guilty pleas for criminal damage and racially-aggravated disorderly conduct, and this week was found guilty of common assault after a night out in Aberystwyth went horribly wrong.
In July, staff at the door of Pier Pressure were dealing with another incident when Parry asked them to speak to her daughter over the phone. Offering her phone to them, it was pushed away and fell to the floor. One of the staff, Mr Donaldson, picked up the phone and handed it back to Parry before escort-ing her out. Prosecution solicitor, Maggie Hughes said: “She was screaming about her phone and then turned and slapped him to the cheek and eye area.
“Mr Donaldson then had to hold her by her wrists to stop her doing it. “He has not sustained any injuries but his cheek was stinging. “She then made a comment, pointing at one of the staff and calling them ‘Polish b*****ds’ and ‘Polish t***s’.”
Thirty-nine-year-old Parry was arrested for racial public disorder and ended up in a police cell, however the night did not end there. Ms Hughes said: “She stuffed a blanket down the toilet and flooded the cell as she was unhappy about the way the blankets had been thrown onto the floor of the cell. “She has admitted this was a stupid thing to do.” In mitigation, defence solicitor Colin Taylor said: “It is a dreadful shame she has had to come to court, I have some glowing references here on her behalf. “She has learnt a valuable lesson. “I should imagine whether the door steward is Polish, French, German or English, a bouncer is a bouncer and they still have skins as thick as elephants.”
Chairman of magistrates, Alun Thomas, said: “We can see this was out of character but you have to appreciate, done in a public place, at a very popular nightspot, when other incidents were happening at the time, it could be construed as making it more volatile. “You might have had a fine or a lesser punishment but this was a racially-aggravated incident.” Parry was given a one-year community order in which to complete 60 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay compensation of £30 to the Polish door steward, £9.95 to replace the police blanket and £300 towards prosecution costs.
Aberystwyth Today
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Date: 24th January 2008
Source: IC Solihull
Driven mad by fake claim
A TWENTY-year-old woman was refused entry to a Solihull pub because a doorman did not believe her Northern Irish driving licence was genuine.
And things got worse for student Gemma Fox when the doorman then confiscated it - forcing a bemused Gemma to enlist the help of a policeman to get it back.
Gemma went into Solihull town centre on Friday (January 18th) to celebrate the end of her exams.
But when she arrived at the Mason's Arms, the doorman refused her ID -a Northern Irish driving licence - claiming it was a fake.
Having already experienced problems in convincing staff at other pubs the licence was genuine, Gemma, from Monkspath, had obtained a letter from Solihull police station to confirm it was real.
But the doorman dismissed it - forcing her to fetch a policeman to retrieve her licence after the doorman refused to return it.
Gemma, who is studying at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, said: "Even when I showed the doorman my passport he refused to acknowledge it. He treated me like a child and at one point even shoved his hand in front of my face."
Gemma began driving in Solihull, but passed her test while studying in Northern Ireland.
Licences issued in Ulster do not have a barcode, unlike those from England, Scotland and Wales.
"I feel all all the bouncers in Solihull should be told what a Northern Irish driving licence looks like so that this does not happen to me or anyone else carrying this form of identification again," she said
The manager of the Mason's Arms was unavailable as we went to press.
IC Solihull
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Date: 23rd January 2008
Source: BSIA
Professionalism remains at the heart of the security industry
The British Security Industry Association has congratulated the BBC's Panorama programme on last night's investigation which exposed a criminal minority within the security industry, but has emphasised that professionalism does remain at the heart of the industry.
BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson, comments: "The existence of a criminal minority within the security industry has been well-known for some years and the need to eliminate this unwanted element is one of the reasons why the BSIA supported the industry's regulation. As the leading trade association for the private security industry in the UK, we have operated strict membership criteria for the past 40 years including staff vetting, compliance with British Standards and examination of our members' financial records. This means that only the highest quality companies are admitted into membership and our members demonstrate that professionalism truly is at the heart of our industry."
"As a further commitment to this professionalism, we will offer every assistance to the Security Industry Authority in their work to seek out criminal operators and enforce the legislation. Our members are determined to provide information to the authorities on such criminal elements wherever possible. We share concerns about any incidence of examination fraud and are keen to work with training bodies to ensure that this cannot take place."
BSIA Security Consultancies Section Chairman, Ian Johnson, says: "Last night's programme also revealed that some criminals are hiding behind the title of security consultant despite the fact that they are actually undertaking a licensable activity. Professional security consultants offer independent advice on all aspects of security and as a sector we call on the authorities to do everything possible to root out criminal activity."
BSIA
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Date: 22nd January 2008
Source: Info4Security
Offender ID Spray Launched
FEDS Training has worked hand-in-glove with Skills for Security and Redweb Security to launch the innovative Offender ID Spray training course as part of its Security Operative Safety (SOS) programme. Andy Walker examines how security professionals are now able to use man-made DNA coding in the ongoing fight against crime.
For some time, FEDS Training has been looking for a combined product and training solution to protect front line security operatives in the face of attack. A solution that could also be used for general crime prevention purposes. A safe system that’s reliable, legal and evidentially sound.
At IFSEC 2006, Tamworth-based Redweb Security unveiled its i-Powder and, since then, we’ve worked hand-in-glove alongside Skills for Security to produce (and now launch) a nationally accredited Security Operative Safety (SOS) training programme.
First of all, let’s take a detailed look at the product. Redweb’s Offender ID Spray is used to ‘mark’ criminals at the scene such that they can be identified there and then or at a later juncture. The spray provides forensic proof that a ‘tagged’ individual was present at the time of an offence.
Each individual belt-worn, hand-held canister contains a batch of Redweb’s i-Powder (Intelligent Power) which, when deployed at an incident, marks the suspect with a bright, highly visible red dye, traces of ultraviolet and most importantly an indelible, bio-synthetic, man-made and unique DNA code.
The latter is what links the offender to the exact time and place of the offence, ensuring conviction in Court. It provides individual, secure and registered evidence to the police in the event that a serious crime is committed in front of or against a security operative.
Individual DNA coding
Once a security officer, store detective, door supervisor, Cash-in-Transit operative or close protection officer has attended (and passed) the four-hour training and registration programme, they’re issued with their own Offender ID Spray canister and belt pouch. The bar code identifying the individual DNA code in each canister is scanned into the national Redweb Security database and held until such time that the information is requested by the police following an equipment activation. Canisters work on a one-use-only basis.
How, then, does the i-Powder work? First of all, as stated it marks criminals with a highly visible red dye, increasing the chances of a suspect being caught by the police if he/she decamps the scene. Second, the ultraviolet element of the dye becomes stronger as the dye fades and washes out, identifying the offender at a police station when placed under scrutiny with an ultraviolet lamp.
Third, the unique registered DNA in the i-Powder can be swabbed from the suspect by the police (anytime up to two weeks later) and the results checked on the database to provide solid evidence that will help gain a conviction.
On a more practical basis and how it’s explained on the four-hour training programme the Offender ID Spray system helps front line security operatives (also including event stewards, Community Wardens and Police Community Support Officers) to detect, deter and defend. Once the product and what it does is known, it will first deter potential criminals from offending where they know the system’s in operation. Second, it can help defend operatives during an attack. Third, on activation it helps the police to detect offenders thanks to a sound forensic identifier.
Legality of the solution
The product is perfectly legal to carry and to use because the i-Powder in each canister contains a completely non-toxic, highly visible red forensic dye. There is nothing in it that can harm the offender. As it causes no physical harm, nor permanent damage to property, the i-Powder is not classed as a prohibited article under Section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.
Furthermore, the i-Powder has been accredited by ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives’ Secured by Design initiative (in November 2006) and been afforded a ‘clean bill of health’ following extensive compliance and safety testing.
The Offender ID Spray may be used legally in violent confrontations (Common Law rules of self-defence) or to prevent crimes (Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967). Let’s look at a few scenarios when the product could be used by security staff. In Scenario One, a store detective observes a shoplifter stealing goods from a retail outlet. The detective approaches the thief as he moves to leave the store and attempts an arrest. The shoplifter then pulls a used hypodermic syringe from his pocket and threatens to stab the store detective if he moves any closer. The store detective activates the Offender ID Spray, and the thief runs off. A description of the man is circulated to police, who then apprehend him fours streets away due to the fact he’s covered in visible red dye.
Scenario Two involves a uniformed security officer patrolling a site on his own at 3.00 am. The officer disturbs two burglars carrying crow bars who are leaving one of the factories being guarded. The officer sprays the suspects as they try to make their escape. Acting on information received from the scene, the police execute search warrants at the suspects’ houses a week or so later.
Knowing that the Offender ID Spray was activated at the scene, they pass an ultraviolet lamp over the suspects and find traces on their hands and faces. While the suspects are in custody, DNA swabs are taken. These later match the control sample taken from the Redweb database using the security officer’s unique DNA bar code, and convictions are realised in Court.
The final scenario Scenario Three focuses on a door supervisor working at a night club. He conducts a random search on a customer who’s trying to enter the premises and finds a quantity of what he believes to be Class A controlled drugs. As the door supervisor attempts to arrest the would-be customer, the ‘miscreant’ produces a six-inch Bowie knife. He challenges the door supervisor to hand back the confiscated drugs.
The door supervisor then sprays the offender in the face, temporarily hindering his vision. As the offender tries to wipe the i-Powder from his face, the door supervisor disarms his assailant and detains him pending the arrival of the police.
The training programme
The four-hour training session required for the Offender ID Spray product leads to Skills for Security accreditation. Training sessions may be held in classroom-style environments, although space is required for the practical instruction sections.
The basic aim of the Offender ID Spray training is to teach elementary uses of the product for self-defence and crime prevention measures. Come the end of the session, delegates are able to:
understand how the product works inidentifying offenders;
- explain the relevant laws regarding its use;
- identify the basic component parts of the hand-held device;
- show a practical understanding of how to use the device in stressful situations;
- understand the importance of proper justification and reporting.
Trainers employ a mixture of presentation techniques including lectures, Powerpoint deliveries, practical demonstrations and Question and Answer sessions.
The course outline includes a basic introduction to the product, how it works (origins, the i-Powder, partnership working and evidence, etc), relevant laws in relation to the product, the equipment itself and its component parts, what to do after activation, evidence recovery by the authorities, reporting of usage and equipment replacement, the completion of all necessary legal paperwork, accreditation and registration tasks.
Personal protective equipment
When we originally met at IFSEC, it was obvious Redweb had a terrific product. They just weren’t sure what to do with it or to whom it should be marketed.
We sat down together and determined that we’d produce a properly accredited training programme for the product, and only issue the equipment to those security personnel who have undertaken the training.
We firmly believe that we now have an extremely useful piece of personal protective equipment for security staff. On that basis, we’re very much looking forward to working with visionary security company owners and directors who fully recognise their Duty of Care to team members.
FEDS Training is now looking to work with national security providers to pilot the product across the sector. Interested parties should access: www.fedstraining.co.uk or send an e-mail to: saferdoors@saferdoors.karoo.co.uk
For further information on Redweb Security access: www.redwebsecurity.com, telephone 0871 508 1228 or send an e-mail to: info@redwebsecurity.co.uk
Info 4 Security
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Date: 18th January 2008
Source: The Publican
Scottish pubs in the dark over illegal security staff
Numerous venues used doorstaff with flawed or no accreditation
Pubs in Scotland were ripped off over the festive period by security operators deploying “makeweight” illegal stewards, according to two veteran former city policemen.
Random checks in Edinburgh by a roving Security Industry Authority (SIA) squad and licensing standards officers (LSO’s) last month found numerous venues using doorstaff with flawed or no accreditation.
In “failed” cases operators were presumed to be charging pubs full price while using door workers not qualified or legally allowed to do the job.
But at least some venues in the Scottish capital used stewards brought up from Newcastle to meet the shortage of accredited staff.
Scotland’s doorstaff were brought into line with England and Wales on November 1 2007 – meaning nobody should now be operating as a steward without an SIA badge clearly displayed.
In a random batch of bars tested in the city’s upmarket George Street drinking strip only one pub visited was in full compliance with the law.
The Publican accompanied LSOs Allan Reid and George Stewart, both highly experienced former senior Lothian and Borders police officers, on checks which disclosed some security operators were in disarray over the new rules.
Doorstaff and supervisors at several venues were warned they face prosecution if caught flouting the law from February.
Allan Reid said: “When you consider this was in some of Edinburgh’s ‘better’ pubs you can only imagine what the story is in the rest.”
Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne said it was “very clear” costs of door stewarding for pubs and clubs had been driven up by the lack of fully SIA-registered and trained staff – and questioned the wisdom of launching the system at the busiest time of year.
The Publican
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Date: 18th January 2008
Source: Blackpool Gazette
Nightclub door staff under spotlight
NIGHTCLUB door staff are to come under scrutiny as Blackpool Council continues to crack down on badly run licensed premises.
A meeting of the council's Licensing Committee was told that a squeeze on pub and club budgets was leading to a reduction in quality of some security staff. Meanwhile some pubs had shut down.
Specialist public protection officer Mark Marshall said that when questioned, some door staff did not know the capacity of the venue they were working at, or the correct evacuation procedures.
He added that some security firms were subcontracting work leading to people being employed who were not properly trained.
Mr Marshall told the meeting: "It is part of the economic squeeze being put on licensed premises and area managers are cutting budgets."
Training
Licensing chairman Coun Henry Mitchell said afterwards that it was important that door staff were of a high quality.
He said: "We need to know that door staff are having the right training because they are the first people that customers meet, and issues such as ensuring a venue does not go over its permitted capacity are vital to public safety."
The meeting was also told that a number of pubs in the resort were currently closed due to the economic downturn. These include the Bloomfield on Ansdell Road and the The Victory on Caunce Street.
Coun Mary Smith said: "People don't want to spend the money any more and they can smoke in their own homes."
Coun Doreen Holt said the pub companies needed to invest more in their properties.
She said: "If people want their business to survive they need to keep their premises updated."
Blackpool Gazette
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Date: 18th January 2008
Source: smh.com.au
Glassing - the ultimate cowardice
Australians have plenty to thank the British for, including our government, the English language, and our taste for beer, "crisps" and saucy comedies involving priests. However, there's one gift I'd like to return to the motherland: the concept of smashing a bottle or beer glass into another person's face.
I'm sure glassing happened twenty years ago; I just can't remember ever seeing it done or meeting a victim of it. Now it's reached the stage where law-abiding punters have to drink out of plastic or perspex cups because of the mugs who do this stuff so regularly.
Examine the act for a minute: a person takes offense to something you've done or said in a public place, so they smash their drinking glass, grip the left-over base and, with the broken shards pointing outwards, ram it into your face.
I'm not condoning punching people (or even shooting or stabbing them), but glassing strikes me as one of the most horrendously premeditated violent acts you can commit against another person and I reckon it was largely popularised by the Brits ...
Back in 2002, the Manchester Evening News approximated there were more than "more than 5,000 glassing injuries a year in Britain" and if you've spent any time in Scotland or the north of England, you'll see the evidence soon enough.
Friends of mine who've been to places like Glasgow and Manchester have commented how many guys (and girls) you come across who bear the facial scars of a glassing attack and it's an ugly trend that's picking up steam here.
Obviously the majority of glassing attacks are perpetrated by Australians on Australians, but there's little doubt in my mind its origins lay in the UK where cities, like the two mentioned above, have greatly reduced the problem by introducing toughened glass or plastics cups into venues after 11pm, when the majority of incidents occur.
Google "glassing" and you'll see it's becoming a widespread problem in this country, with attack, after attack, after bloody attack, claiming the sight and peace of mind of men and women.
Radio Triple J's Michael Atkin did this piece for the Hack program late last year and it pretty much underscored how glassing attacks happen: aggro + grog + not backing down + lack of consequential thinking.
Unfortunately, I reckon it's a Catch 22 situation, where the more glassing attacks that happen, the more they're reported by the media and the more they're at the forefront of the minds of pea-brained fools when they get drunk and fired up and are looking to do someone harm.
About five of six years ago, I was having a game of pool with my mate Youngblood against two Pommy geezers; we were all having a good laugh until there was a disagreement over the rules about shooting backwards.
Youngblood was telling the boys how it was - the rules were printed on the wall - so things had chilled a little and I headed to the bar to get the shout.
For some reason, I looked back, just to check things were sweet between everyone, and I saw one of the Poms move his beer glass behind his back. He turned it upside down to empty the last dregs and was shaping to swing it at Youngblood.
I ran back, grabbed his wrist and got him in a headlock and the bouncers arrived as I choked the bastard, saying to him "you were gonna disfigure my mate for life over a pool game?"
I was staggered. Still am, that anyone would be so incredibly reckless, even with a skinful of grog.
I can honestly say it's never even crossed my mind to glass a person. Hit them with a pool cue, yes, half-brick them, of course, but a glass? It's murderous.
It's my fear that the current surge in glassings will only lead to more of them because it's now become a well-known option in a fight and morons will take it.
Hopefully the problem will not get so bad that plastic "glasses" are forced upon all drinkers, but it's a small price to pay.
Until then, as hard as it is when you're drunk and the adrenaline's pumping, just walk away boys (and girls).
You don't know if the person you're arguing with is a fool, and all you're relying on is their honour and judgment they won't maim you for life, or worse.
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Date: 14th January 2008
Source: Morning Advertiser
Pubs' £10k fine for illegal doorstaff
Pubs are running a heightened risk of prosecution for hiring illegal doorstaff because thousands of illegal immigrants are likely to hold door supervisor licences.
As a result of a serious loophole in the licence application process, many pubs are unwittingly employing doorstaff who hold a licence, but don't have the right to work in the UK.
The news comes as new fines of up to £10,000 per employee for "negligently" hiring illegal workers are due to be implemented.
The Home Office said 6,653 of the 40,000 non-European nationals who hold any kind of Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence do not have permission to work in the UK. A further 4,447 were described as "questionable and requiring further research".
SIA spokesman Robert Buxton said the number who hold doorstaff licences is not yet known.
But the figure is likely to be in the thousands as 40% of SIA licences are for doorstaff, although Buxton said many may have the right to work, but their details had not been logged.
Illegal immigrants have been able to obtain SIA licences because the application form does not ask about the right to work in the UK.
Buxton said that since July 2007, checks have been carried out to ensure all new applicants have the right to work. Checks on current SIA licence holders have also taken place since then.
But Buxton urged vigilance: "We are trying to get people to check our register of licence holders more regularly, rather than just check the physical licence."
The Home Office said the SIA has written to everyone in its database who is not registered as having the right to work in the UK.
If they can't prove their right to work within 21 days, the agency "will move to revoke their licences".
MA legal editor Peter Coulson said: "It's an appalling error that someone has made - and someone has to hold their hands up."
BII chief executive John McNamara advised licensees to ensure contracts with doorstaff agencies state that checks have been carried out on the supervisor's right to work.
Licensees face prosecution Risk
Licensees could be prosecuted for hiring illegal immigrant doorstaff even if they have a valid SIA badge, says MA legal editor Peter Coulson.
Coulson said any prosecution under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 is unlikely to succeed because the Act merely requires that doorstaff hold an SIA badge. But pubs could still fall foul of employment legislation.
"It's the legal obligation of anybody employing anyone in any regard to check on their right to work," said Coulson.
Under new civil penalties taking effect next month, employers negligently hiring illegal workers face fines of up to £10,000 per worker. Knowingly hiring illegal workers could land employers with unlimited fines or a prison sentence.
Temporary Doorstaff Shortage looms
Pubs face the prospect of a temporary doorstaff shortage due to reported delays in renewing SIA licences.
Delays of up to 12 weeks are reported in processing renewals. SIA licences must be renewed every three years and the first renewals are currently taking place.
It is illegal for doorstaff to work without a valid SIA badge, so the delay has led to the prospect of a doorstaff shortfall.
Mitchells & Butlers security and licensing manager Andrew Nicholls said: "There's some frustration with the delays. I'm hearing that they have lasted up to 12 weeks.
"Doorstaff apply in what they think is plenty of time, but it proves not to be the case."
Nicholls urged licensees to check that their doorstaff hold valid up-to-date licences and advised that doorstaff should renew early.
Buxton said Liverpool postal strikes around Christmas had an impact as the Criminal Investigations Bureau is in Merseyside.
But he added: "Generally there are no delays in the processing system.
"People can apply for licences up to four months in advance.
"I would warn licensees to be very careful as the time approaches when
licences are due to expire. The best thing to do is to check the licence number through the registration of licence holders on our website."
Morning Advertiser
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Date: 12th January 2008
Source: WtD
Door Supervisor Needed For New Channel 4 Show
Rival Media, a new television production company based in London are currently developing a new Channel 4 series centred around dispute resolution between a range of parties - be that feuds between families and friends, conflicts within the working environment or even long running neighbour disputes. They are hoping to bring peace where none have before and as such, are looking for a range of contributors to take part in this ambitious new series who would be interested and willing to work together to apply their unique professional skillsets to a range of ongoing disputes and feuds - in a bid to try to solve these long running problems once and for all.
Rival Media think a doorman would be perfect to tackle problems of this nature and as such if you or anyone you know might be interested in taking part Rival Media would love to hear from you.
Rival are passionate about this show and the area of dispute resolution and believe it looks set to be a compelling series which tackles a variety of dispute situations in a responsible yet unique way.
If you are a member of the security profession and are interested in hearing more about the programme and how you would be involved, please contact Holly Davies directly on 020 8987 5452 or email holly.davies@rival-media.com.
Date: 3rd January 2008
Source: BBC News
Concern over security staff delay
Delays in getting licences for security staff are causing a shortage of workers in Nottinghamshire, according to one firm.
Each worker must be accredited by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) before being allowed to take a post.
But bosses at Sovereign Security said weeks of waiting meant good candidates could not fill vacancies.
The SIA said postal strikes caused a backlog, but about 90% of applications were handled within eight weeks.
Darren Brookes from Sovereign Security claimed weeks of waiting were putting a strain on the industry.
He said: "I have got people on my books who are waiting for renewals that have had their licences suspended.
"A licence is suspended if it has not been renewed in two years and is three months out of date.
"I applied at the start of September for a licence which needed renewing at the end of November and I am still waiting to actually hear anything from them."
'Seven months'
Shayne Phillips, who is originally from South Africa but lives in Sherwood, is currently out of work because of the problem.
"I have been waiting for seven months for my application to go through from the Security Industry Authority.
"Basically they are saying that they are trying to verify overseas workers and their right to work in the UK."
Jackie Munn from the SIA said there were 250,000 people in the UK with a licence and a reorganisation had caused some delays.
"We write to companies all the time trying to keep them updated with what is happening.
"At the end of the day sometimes we only find out the problems when we speak to people like Darren and we will do everything we can to put them right," she said.
BBC News
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Date: 3rd January 2008
Source: This is Dorset
'Straight' bouncer harassed at gay club
A BOUNCER won £3,000 for injured feelings after she was harassed for being "straight" while working at a gay club.
Sharon Legg from Bournemouth was called "breeder" and "straight"- derogatory terms used in the gay community.
The 33-year-old mum-of-four was working at Dream in The Triangle and her employer was Rubyz Limited.
She took her case to an employment tribunal and was also awarded £3,222 for unfair dismissal.
She told the tribunal the comments were aimed at her by manager Scott Rhodes.
Mrs Legg said she was dismissed without warning after a dispute with another doorman.
But she was not found to have been sacked because she was heterosexual.
She told the Echo after the tribunal she'd had "quite a lot of support" from the gay community.
"I am friends with a lot of gay people," said Sharon, who now works the door at O'Neills.
"I just think there's a few individuals who have a preference for their own kind. The tribunal could find no reason why I should have lost my job."
Rubyz Limited director Nick King is also a councillor on Bournemouth's cabinet and is the Conservatives' prospective MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.
He said afterwards: "We accept that she was dismissed due to proper procedures not being followed. We are considering appealing."
He said the company had done everything it could to protect her from harassment. "We have a zero tolerance attitude towards any kind of discrimination."
Mrs Legg's barrister, Sarah Courtney from Gales Solicitors of Wimborne Road, Winton, said: "It was an unusual case.
"The legislation was brought in to prevent gay and lesbian people from being harassed."
And she added: "I haven't come across a case like this before."
Mrs Legg said: "I made this complaint for gay people, straight people, anyone who has ever been harassed. I'm like a bulldog, I don't let go!
"I honestly didn't care about money. I told my solicitor I didn't care if I got 5p. She said she did because she would get 1p!"
This is Dorset
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Date: 3rd January 2008
Source: Get Reading
Student fumes as pub refuses entry for no British ID
A READING student has claimed bouncers refused her entry to a town centre pub for ‘being foreign’.
Claire Gaukrodger, 22, from Earley, was on a night out with friends when door staff at Pavlov’s Dog turned the group away.
The incident happened after Miss Gaukrodger’s boyfriend Tim Waters, 29, was asked for ID. He did not have any and was subsequently not let in.
The University of Reading student said: “The bouncers then told us they didn’t let foreign people in, even though I’m English.
“They just assumed I didn’t have any British ID because I don’t look 100 per cent English.”
Miss Gaukrodger said her Dutch friend, Jet Vossebled, was also refused entry to the popular student bar on another night for not having British ID.
She said: “I’m really angry about it, how can they discriminate against people who don’t look English or don’t have British ID? It’s outrageous.”
“I haven’t been back there since. What they’re doing is wrong and pretty insulting.”
A spokesman for the Scream pub said he did not know about the incident but insisted the company’s ID policy was not personal or prejudicial.
He said: “Unfortunately we only accept three types of identification.
“A Proof Of Age card with the ‘PASS’ accredited hologram, a UK photograph driving licence or an international passport.
“If a guest does not have any of these forms of identification then we will politely explain our policy and ask them to return with suitable identification.”
Reading town centre PubWatch secretary Bill Donne refuted claims that students would have been turned away for being foreign.
He said: “Of course common sense would have to apply in cases like this, but licensees are under huge pressure from the Home Office to ensure they don’t serve alcohol to anyone under 18.
“I am sympathetic that the young lady had an unfortunate experience.”
Mr Donne added: “In the past two years since the introduction of Reading’s Challenge 25 scheme, the town centre has become a much safer place.”
Challenge 25, where bouncers ask anyone who looks younger than 25 to produce ID, was introduced to Reading in December 2005.
Get Reading
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