Door Security Shortages At All Time High
A shortage of bouncers in the UK could become a “threat to public safety”, the Night Time Industry Association (NTIA) has warned.
It blames the lack of security staff at venues on people quitting during the pandemic and believes staffing levels are under 70% of what they should be. Brexit, and a lack of EU workers, has also been a contributing factor.
One in five night-life businesses are believed to have closed or cut hours because they can’t get security staff. Nightclub bosses now want the government to step in.
The government has said it’s helping people “retrain, build new skills and get back into work to help fill vacancies”.
“Door security staff shortages in the night time economy are becoming critical,” says Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA. “We carried out a survey a few months ago which found that security resource in the sector was only at 70%, and I am afraid that the situation has only deteriorated further since then. Whether it is through acting as a first line of defence against a terrorist attack, or intervening to break up violent incidents, licensed security staff are fundamental to public safety.”
He adds that current shortages are “beginning to put the public in real jeopardy”.
Read more at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-58952987