Window cleaners

£25,550

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

47 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

5.88%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Security guards and related occupations

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 9231

Security guards and related occupations protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, shops, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage.

Common tasks include:

walks or rides near person requiring protection, watches for suspicious occurrences and defends guarded person from attack
monitors, patrols and deals with security difficulties in hotels, factories, offices and other premises, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry
checks persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establishes their credentials and arranges for escorts for visitors
provides entry security, checks tickets, manages queues, takes entry fees, and escorts people from the premises where necessary in a variety of public venues such as nightclubs, pubs and bars
receives duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, checks locks, doors, windows, etc. and reports any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters
calls in civil police and gives evidence in court where necessary
ejects persons in illegal occupation of premises
watches for illegal fishing or attempted smuggling
patrols airport, checks passengers baggage, operates metal detectors and x-rays and assists in responding to emergency situations
greets and organises people attending court cases, ensures necessary parties are present, calls defendants and witnesses, directs oath taking and keeps order in the courtroom

Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. For some vacancies a current and clean driving licence is required and entrants may have to pass a medical examination. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of security guarding are available at Level 2.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Security guards and related occupations

Regional employment: Security guards and related occupations

Future employment: Security guards and related occupations

Top 12 industries: Security guards and related occupations

Alternative & related job titles: Security guards and related occupations

CCTV operator Court usher Door supervisor Enforcement officer Security guard Security officer

Equality focus: Security guards and related occupations

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.