Security guards
This factsheet sets out any relevant industry agreements and examples of company pay rates which workers can use to check that they’re getting the ‘going rate’ for their job and as evidence to assist in negotiating a better pay deal. See our Get a better deal leaflet for more tips.
The National Minimum Wage is the absolute minimum rate at which any worker (aged 18 and over) can be paid.Click here for the current rates.
Average Wages
According to the government’s New Earnings Survey for 2001 (latest figures available), the average earnings for security workers are as follows:
| Annually | Hourly |
| Security guards |
£16,544 | | £6.60 phr |
NB. annual rates include overtime and bonus payments, hourly rates do not.
Security guards work very long hours: average weekly hours are 48.8hrs.
Industry agreements
There are set minimum pay rates for security guards employed by a local authorities and universities which apply nationally. In recent years there have been moves within the public sector towards local flexibility, but these rates are still important. If you work for a local authority in England and Wales, or the NHS, and are employed on national terms you can use the information below to check you’re getting the correct rate. If you work for a private company, or for an NHS Trust or similar body, you can use these rates as a guide to help you negotiate your pay.
Local Authorities (England and Wales)
From: 1.4.01. For: 37 hr week | | |
| Grade 3 Security attendant |
£9,912 | |
| Holidays: 22 days, 25 after 5 years | | |
Local Authorities (Greater London)
From 1.2.01. For: 37 hr week | | |
| Inner | Outer |
| Grade 3 Security attendant |
£12,570 | £11,856 |
| Holidays: 22 days, 25 after 5 years | | |
Universities (pre-1992)
From 1.4.01. For: 38 hr week | | |
| Security guard |
£179.92pw | |
| Skilled/supervisor |
£188.93pw | |
| High responsibility |
£198.35pw | |
Holidays: 26 days
Allowances determined locally | | |
Security guards in the demolition industry are covered by an 'industry agreement'. These are voluntary agreements negotiated between employers and unions on a national or regional basis. Employers who are party them are 'honour bound' to pay at least the minimum rates agreed. Check with your employer or your union if you have one to find out if you're covered.
Demolition Industry Conciliation Board
From 23.7.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
| Security guard |
£42.82 per day | |
| Night watchman |
£53.52 per night | |
| Holidays: 21 days | | |
Company Rates
Rates can vary depending on the type of security work you do and the sector you work in. These are examples of rates paid:
MANUFACTURING
Delphi Automotive
From: 1.5.01. For: 37 hr week | | |
| Wage: | £333.35 (basic) | |
| Holidays: 25 days | | |
Bass Brewers
From: 1.7.00. For: 39 hr week | | |
| Wage: | £18,951 (basic) | |
| Holidays: 25 days | | |
RETAIL
Littlewoods
From: 1.7.01. For: 35.5 hr week | | |
| Wage: | £210.47 | |
| Holidays: 23 days | | |
Retail Co-operative Societies
From: 2.5.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
| Wage: | £171.86 | |
| Holidays: 21 days, 25 after 5 years | | |
PUBLIC SECTOR
Prison Service
From 1.1.01. For: 39 hr week | | |
Wage:
Prison auxillary |
£9,869 - £10,986pa | |
| Night patrol | £10,481 - £11,640pa | |
Holidays: 25 days
Allowances: Inner London-£3,000; outer-£1900; fringe- £800 | | |
Inland Revenue
From 1.8.01. For: 42 hr week | | |
Wage:
National |
£9,710 - £13,210pa | |
| London | £11,730 - £16,780pa | |
| Holidays: 25 days | | |
Your rights
Once pay rates have been agreed, they form part of the worker's terms and conditions and you have the right to be paid the agreed rate. Employers cannot change any term of a contract without the worker's agreement. See our leaflet on terms and conditions
Low Pay Unit, Feb 2002
Please note that some information contained in this sheet is from IDS Pay Benchmark, Nov 2001 (Incomes Data Services (www.incomesdata.co.uk))
