Facilities managers have been warned that the Private Security Industry Bill will cause confusion when it comes into force, because the government has exempted in-house security guards from the requirement to have a licence.

According to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), it is very likely that individuals who are refused a licence to work in a contract security company will decide to look for employment in the in-house sector - even though they are deemed unsuitable to work in the security industry. The current proposals could also mean that, for example, security guards in one large shopping centre would have to be licenced, while those in another would not.

The Private Industry Security Bill is expected to become law by the end of April 2001. Under the Bill, all security officers, managers, directors and partners of contract manned security companies will need a security licence.

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