Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, has called for more support for the thousands of door staff who have seen employment disappear during the Covid-19 crisis.
According to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulatory body for licensing the sector, there are over 272,000 door supervisors across the UK, the majority of whom are self-employed or hold zero hours contracts. Tens of thousands across Greater Manchester have seen work dry up as bars and music venues close in the region.
The body recently announced a reduction in fees for security staff renewing licences from £210 to £190 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sacha Lord comments, “The SIA does a great job in ensuring the competency and safety of our security staff across the UK, and the £20 reduction in new license fees is welcomed, however much more needs to be done to support these workers during this time.”
“As the nightclub, bar and events sector has been decimated, so too have all the industries who work alongside them, including security staff.”
“Many of these workers are self-employed or on zero-hour contracts and have lost work entirely, yet despite this, their SIA license is unable to be refunded, and as lockdown restrictions continue, the opportunity for them to get back into work quickly appears distant. Combine this with the fact that many bars and venues may struggle to re-open and we could see a huge swell of staff who have no jobs to return to.”
Lord continues, “Universal Credit is available for workers on zero hours but is hounded by delays, and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme will only be available for grant payments from mid-June, so for those who are sole breadwinners for their families, the current situation could be dire.”
In response, Lord has confirmed security staff who have lost roles in the Night Time Economy across Greater Manchester will be supported by the UnitedWeStream relief fund.
The UnitedWeStream initiative, which hosts free live DJ-sets, music and performances every weekend, has seen over two million viewers since its launch this month. Donations go directly to a relief fund to support Greater Manchester’s night time economy including the music venues, restaurants, bars, self employed freelancers and cultural organisations who are unable to work or operate their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and further charities.
Lord continues, “For the majority of revellers, door staff and supervisors often go unnoticed, but they are an essential part of everyone enjoying their night out.”
“While we may only hear about the few who bring the sector negative attention, the vast majority do fantastic work every single night to keep venues and party goers safe across the region. I think we can all think of a time where we’ve leaned on them when we’ve lost friends, felt unwell or needed advice or support.”
“They are often the forgotten part of a night out, but if you have ever been helped by a member of door staff, I encourage you to donate £1, £2 or even £3 – the cost of a pint – to them during this time.”
Donations to UnitedWeStream can be made at unitedwestream.co.uk.
