Amthal has welcomed the Government decision to include an array of security roles into the critical worker (formerly known as key workers) category.
Following an industry campaign to seek clarification, a new statement given to the Security Industry Authority, presented by James Brokenshire, Minister for State for Security at the Home Office, stated:
“Security & fire safety personnel can play a vital role at this time of national challenge. People working in these sectors who are essential to national infrastructure are “Key Workers” for the purposes of the Government’s guidance on COVID-19.”
Amthal, as an SSAIB accredited company, can now operate as critical key workers for the safety and security of its customers.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has further clarified the new status, highlighting that roles essential to supporting law and order, with the opportunity to support stretched Police resources, meet the new critical worker definition.
This would include:
- • The guarding of empty of closed commercial, retail or office premises
- • The monitoring of similar facilities through CCTV or other remote means
- • The provision of alarm response centres, including mobile units
Essential works not cited are also included in the new definition, but to be serviced strictly according to Government guidelines on working from home and social distancing.
Says Jamie Allam, CEO Amthal Fire & Security: “The addition of accredited security professionals to critical worker status is of vital importance to homeowners and businesses alike. Sadly with so many empty premises, the risk of an increase in criminal activity is a real possibility, and we now have the capability to help maintain peace of mind maintenance and monitoring, ensuring we are ‘protecting what’s precious’ at all times. Of course, this will be done whilst still strictly abiding by the Government guidelines to work at home wherever possible and maintain social distancing.”