Security firm agrees recognition deal with GMB

Security firm G4S Security Services has signed an agreement recognising the right of the GMB union to represent its 15,500 UK-based security officers.

The agreement comes after more than 15 months of negotiations.

David Beaton, regional president UK & Ireland at G4S, called the agreement a significant milestone for the company.

“I am delighted to have the GMB working alongside us, not only to represent the interests of our employees, but to help us respond to the challenges facing the private security industry. It is in our interest to work together to influence the future direction of the industry,” he said.

GMB officer Allan Black said: “The access [the agreement] gives us for organising purposes will enable us to enhance our already significant presence in the industry. 

“The security industry is in the midst of huge change with the impact of statutory licensing and the working time regulations. This agreement will enable the union to play a full part with G4S Security Services in managing that change.”

The GMB said it now expected other major employers in the security industry to enter in discussions about union representation for their staff.