SIA confirms November start-date for Scotland

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has confirmed that all door workers in Scotland will need a licence from November 1 this year

Anyone working in a designated security role north of the border must be licensed - or face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.

The new law means the SIA will become responsible for licensing the private security industry across the whole of Great Britain, creating one security regulator and one set of security licences.

Jennifer Pattinson, SIA head of investigation for Scotland, said: "The new SIA licensing requirements for Scotland will raise standards and help prevent unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry. From November 1 it will be a criminal offence to carry out a licensable security activity without an SIA licence or for supervisors, managers or directors of security companies to deploy unlicensed operatives.

"The safety of the Scottish public is our principal goal. SIA licensing will ensure those working in positions of trust in the private security industry are trained, qualified and are fit and proper people for their role. An SIA licence is a personal demonstration that an individual meets those requirements.

"I urge those working in the private security industry in Scotland to start their licensing process now. When November 1 arrives - be licensed, be legal."