Fear of doorstaff price rise

The cost of hiring doorstaff could rise under new Government plans to make "top-up" training compulsory when their licences are renewed.

Government estimates put the annual cost of the proposed extra training between £10.1m and £25.9m.

The top-up training would be compulsory when Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences are renewed every three years. On-going refresher training in physical skills would also be needed.

This is the Home Office's preferred option outlined in a new consultation, released today.

A statement from the department said the aim is "to protect the public by raising standards of training across the industry".

Additional training will include physical intervention, first aid, special considerations when dealing with young people and awareness of the threat of terrorism.

Bill Butler, SIA chief executive, said: "We welcome these proposals, many of which were suggested by the Industry.

"They understand the challenges faced by door supervisors and the skills needed to carry out their duties professionally, whilst protecting the public.

"We are encouraging those working in the door supervision sector, training providers and stakeholders to contribute to this important piece of work."

However, Noctis executive director Paul Smith said: "Doorstaff are more professional than they have ever been. To say that all security staff have to have additional training seems to be disproportionate."

He said 10% of running costs for Noctis members go on security and "any additional burdens means that could go up".

If the decision is made to implement the proposals, top-up training will be compulsory for all door supervisors from May 2011.

The SIA said it would work with awarding bodies to ensure training is available from October 2010.

The 14-week public consultation can be viewed here:

www.homeoffice.gov.uk