23/10/2026
🚨 A SAD REFLECTION ON THE SECURITY INDUSTRY — WHERE ARE THE STANDARDS? 🚨
It is a sad state of affairs when a member of the Highland Security Ltd team approaches us to ask whether an advance on their wages from us might be possible because they say they have not received payment for work they have undertaken for another security company.
To clarify, this individual works for Highland Security Ltd but also undertakes work for other security businesses. The concern raised relates to work carried out for another company, not work undertaken for Highland Security.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is the reported involvement of an ACS-approved company.
Let's remember what the Approved Contractor Scheme represents. It is intended to recognise private security businesses that demonstrate high standards in their operations and service delivery.
ACS-approved companies should be setting the standards for our industry and leading by example.
When contracts are subcontracted or another business is brought in to supply labour, there should be clear arrangements, proper oversight and accountability for the people carrying out the work.
This raises some important questions:
🔹 Are security personnel receiving the wages they are contractually entitled to, on time?
🔹 Are the appropriate employment arrangements in place, including compliance with any applicable PAYE obligations?
🔹 What checks are being carried out when an ACS-approved company uses another business to supply staff?
🔹 Who takes responsibility for addressing concerns when workers report that they have not been paid?
We have been approached by a member of our own team who has raised concerns about payment for work undertaken elsewhere. Naturally, we want to see our staff treated fairly, regardless of where else they choose to work.
We are not naming any business, and we are not making assumptions about the circumstances without all the relevant facts being established.
However, the wider issue deserves discussion.
ACS approval should stand for more than a badge or a selling point when tendering for contracts. It should represent a commitment to high standards, professionalism and accountability.
Subcontracting can be a legitimate business arrangement, but it should not result in workers being left uncertain about who is responsible for paying them or when they will receive their money.
At Highland Security Ltd, we believe the people delivering a security contract are just as important as the contract itself. They turn up, fulfil their duties and help protect people, property and businesses. They deserve to be treated professionally and paid in accordance with their contractual and legal entitlements.
This is not about attacking individual businesses. It is about asking a fair question of our industry.
💬 If ACS-approved companies are recognised for meeting higher standards, should there be greater scrutiny of how subcontracting arrangements operate and how the workers delivering those contracts are treated?
The security industry needs professionalism, transparency and accountability at every level.
The companies recognised for setting the standards should be leading the way in demonstrating them.
