Should you join the Security Industry Federation.....We have our say
Ever since we started WTD we have always heard calls for a security trade union, everyone talked about it, but no one put the jigsaw pieces together to make it happen, until now.
We are supporting the Security Industry Federation, having spoken to the people behind it and seen what they are planning to do, we are sold on the idea and backing them up.
SIF is a not-for-profit, membership organisation set up to support, develop and champion the UK’s security industry and its workers.
They are a growing movement of individuals and businesses who believe that by working together we can make the security industry a fairer, more sustainable and more successful sector.
They are open to everyone who works in the security industry, regardless of whether they are employed or self-employed, full-time or part-time.
To bring together all the workers in the security industry, from retail guards to door supervisors, from close protection officers to CEOs. We believe that this is the only way we can truly make progress in our industry.
We believe that by standing together we can make a real difference to the lives of security workers and the future of our industry.
Table of Contents
What exactly is the Security Industry Federation?
The security industry Federation (SIF) is a specific trade union for the security industry. It was created to bring together all workers in the security industry.
The ultimate goal of SIF is to make the security industry a fairer, more sustainable and more successful sector. In order to achieve this, they aim to support and develop the security industry while also championing the workers within it.
Why should you join the Union?
- 1. Provide you with a voice
- 2. Support you in your job
- 3. Protect your rights
- 4. Offer legal and well-being services
- 5. Campaign for change in the industry
- 6. Stand up for security workers everywhere
The Security Industry Federation is the perfect way to unite all workers in the security industry and make progress in the security industry. The federation will provide you with support, protect your rights and offer many services that will be beneficial to you. In addition, the security industry federation will campaign for change in the industry and stand up for security workers everywhere. Join the Security Industry Federation today!
Why was the Security Industry Federation created?
The SIF team has over 25 years of combined experience in the security industry. They saw a need for a trade union in the industry, as they believe that this is the only way to truly make progress and protect the rights of security industry workers.
What are the benefits of being a member of the Security Industry Federation?
As a member of SIF, you will have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- Access to legal support and advice
- Access the well being support services
- Discounts on a range of services
- Representation at disciplinary hearings
- And much more!
Two key areas that will make your life better as someone working in the security industry is the legal support that is offered and the well being support, we’ll go over these in more detail here.
The Legal Support
Being on the frontline inevitably you will come into physical contact with members of the public, you may also find yourself in situations where you have to use force and its at that time that the SIF team and their experienced solicitors who will provide you with support and guidance if the worst happens.
Our study in 2021 shows that the levels of violence that those working on the frontline receive is at an obscene level, with 36% of frontline security staff are physically attacked monthly and 51% are verbally abused every time they work, this is completely
Being Assaulted
The chances that someone working on the frontline being attacked has never been higher, so having access to a team of experienced solicitors who will be able to guide you through any legal process is invaluable.
The SIF team will also be able to offer you support and guidance if you are accused of using excessive force, they have a wealth of experience in this area and will be able to offer you the best advice possible.
Being Arrested
Although you may have done nothing wrong, there is always a possibility that you could be arrested during or after an incident. If this happens, it is vital that you have access to legal advice and support so that you can minimise the impact that this has on your life.
The SIF team will be able to offer you this support, as well as helping you to understand the process and what to expect.
Non payment of work
Another area where the legal support offered by SIF can be extremely helpful is if you are not being paid for the work that you have done. This is an unfortunately common occurrence in the security industry, but with the help of SIF’s team of solicitors, you act on your behalf to get the money that you are owed.
SIA Licence revoked or suspended
The Legal company that works with the federation has experience with working with the SIA and can look at the case and offer the best legal opinion and help with the case.
The Legal support is 100% covered if you are a fully paid member and each case is taken on its merit.
The Well Being Support
Our violence study in 2021 showed the damaging effects of violence against many working on the frontline with 57% saying that an incident had affected their mental state more than 24 hours after the event and 48% say that they have had a flashback/nightmare about a specific incident.
24/7 phone line trained councillors
The SIF offers a 24/7 phone line that is manned by trained councillors who will be able to offer you support and advice whenever you need it. This service is free for all members of SIF, and you can call as many times as you need to.
including advice and support with issues like:
- financial – budgeting, credit cards and debt
- addiction – alcohol and drugs
- relationship – divorce and separation
- stress and anxiety
- bereavement
- motoring offences
- debts
Actual proper advice
The SIF team are not just there to listen to you, they are also there to offer you practical advice and support that can help you to resolve the issue that you are facing. They will signpost you to other organisations or counselling within 5 days.
There is no issue too small or too big for the team, so you will be able to get the support that you need, when you need it.
Practical support
The SIF well being team can also offer you practical support that can help you to resolve the issue that you are facing as well as providing you with access to counselling and therapy.
Providing a Voice
This is a quick disclaimer, the Federation isn’t for those that want to join and strike next weekend, they are a voice and numbers count. If you feel you have been hard done by at work, or simply want to be a part of making things better for those that come after you in the industry, then this is the place for you.
If you ignore the trolls and Simple Simon’s that say don’t bother, it’s not worth it etc then what you will find is an extremely effective organisation, that is making a real difference in the industry.
SIF is the only trade union for the security industry, and we are proud to represent and support our members.
They have a mandate of pushing the SIA and the home office to improve things for those working in the security industry.
Why are we supporting it
Working the doors are supporting the Security Industry Federation because we believe in their cause and we have seen the quality of the services they are offering.
The SIF is the security industry’s federation and is a union for the security industry. They offer legal support and well being support to those who are working in the security industry.
The legal support can be used for things like being arrested, non-payment of work, and SIA licence revoked or suspended.
The well being support includes a 24/7 phone line manned by trained councillors, actual proper advice, and practical support. The services offered by the SIF are exactly the same as the ones offered to the police through one of their federations and they have 30 years of experience in offering these services. You can sign up for these services on their website.
Reasons for not joining the union
You may be thinking that you don’t need a union because you have never had any problems at work, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If something does happen and you don’t have the support of a union, you will be facing it alone.
So why take the risk? Join the SIF today and know that you have the support of an experienced and dedicated team behind you.
Together we are strong.