Violent Criminals Pose Greater Threat to UK Companies Than European Peers, Survey Reveals
In a recent survey, it has been revealed that violent criminals are a more significant concern for UK businesses compared to their counterparts in Europe. More than four out of ten (42%) major British firms have expressed their greatest worry about the risks posed by criminals resorting to violence.
This percentage stands notably higher than the 30% of European companies that identified violent criminals as their primary threat. The global picture closely resembles Europe’s findings.
The findings are part of the ‘World Security Report,’ published by security experts G4S, which sheds light on the increasing concerns regarding physical threats to staff among UK companies. An overwhelming 87% of UK firms surveyed anticipate a rise in physical threats to their employees in the coming year.
This growing concern is exemplified by retail giants like Tesco and Primark, who are equipping their staff with body-worn cameras to safeguard them against violent shoplifters.
The UK prioritizes staff safety more than other regions due to the heightened perceived threat, and this has led to escalating security expenses. UK companies are dealing with a higher number of incidents compared to their global counterparts, with 40% of them expecting a significant increase in security budgets over the next 12 months.
The survey, which canvassed the opinions of 1,775 chief security officers across 30 countries, also found that subversive elements such as hackers, protestors, commercial spies, and petty criminals ranked as the second most significant threat.
Moreover, half of the UK firms surveyed expressed concerns that an economic downturn could further inflate security costs.
Fiona Walters, Regional CEO of G4S UK and Ireland, emphasized the increasing importance of security in the face of mounting threats. She stated, “Increasing threats such as workplace violence and physical security threats mean that security is more important than ever. In all markets, safety and security are foundations necessary for economic growth. The increased threat environment in the UK potentially impacts investment as well as the ability to attract employees and customers.”
In conclusion, the safety and security of employees take center stage for businesses, with the UK facing unique challenges in this regard. Prioritizing employee safety and security remains a critical concern for all businesses, ensuring a safe and secure environment for growth and success.