The newly-formed Security Industry Federation (SIF) has been granted trade union status by the government.

With 100 members since its launch last November, SIF President Daniel Garnham hopes that will grow now it has been given official certification.

The union will have the same status as other trade unions such as Unite, the GMB and Unison and will make the SIF more attractive to larger employers.

SIF has a range of memberships to suit frontline security professionals.

The Government’s Certifications Officer confirmed the news with a one-line notice: “Security Industry Federation has been entered on the list of trade unions held by the Certification Officer with effect from 19 May 2023.”

Garnham said: “Since our launch in November 22, the main concerns from potential members were that the SIF had not been accredited by the UK Certification Officer meaning we were not listed as an accredited trade union.

“In practice, now that we are recognised by the UK Government as satisfying all of the statutory requirements of a trade union there is a greater need for the SIF to be officially recognised by security employers which gives us credibility within the industry and greater influence to successfully represent our members.

“Since the decision, the SIF is having conversations with some of the biggest UK employers, such as Securitas and Mitie, in order to show that we are a trade union that cares about the security industry. “These employers are receptive to our values and are now working with us to better support frontline security workers.”

He added: “I believe this will not be a turning point for the industry which is struggling to keep workers from changing careers due to the lack of overall support, money and working conditions.”

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