The UK security industry employed 423,000 direct workers in 2023, up 3.2% from the previous year. Manned security guards reached 280,000, while cybersecurity professionals rose to 65,000, an 18% year over year increase. These staffing shifts sit alongside faster threat signals, including phishing targeting 75% of UK firms and cyber attacks rising to 1.2 million incidents.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the UK security industry employed 423,000 direct workers, a 3.2% increase from 2022
- In 2023, the UK security services market was valued at £9.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2018 to 2023 driven by rising cyber threats and physical security demands
- In 2023, 95% of UK security personnel held valid SIA licenses, enforced by audits
- In 2023, reported burglaries in England and Wales totaled 285,000, down 5% from 2022
- In 2023, 72% of UK security firms adopted AI surveillance systems, improving detection by 40%
UK security industry shows strong demand for surveillance and guarding services, driving steady market growth.
Related reading
01 · Category
Employment Statistics19 stats
01
In 2023, the UK security industry employed 423,000 direct workers, a 3.2% increase from 2022
02
Manned security guards numbered 280,000 in 2023, comprising 66% of total security workforce
03
SIA-licensed door supervisors reached 85,000 in 2023, with 12% female representation
04
Close protection operatives totaled 12,500 in 2023, up 8% due to VIP demand
05
Security systems installers numbered 45,000 in 2023, with 15% growth in certified professionals
06
Key holding and response operatives stood at 35,000 in 2023, serving 24/7 operations
07
Cybersecurity professionals in security firms reached 65,000 in 2023, a 18% YoY rise
08
Average salary for security guards was £24,500 in 2023, with London premiums at £28,000
09
22% of UK security workforce was female in 2023, up from 18% in 2020
10
Apprenticeships in security industry trained 8,500 new entrants in 2023
11
Ethnic minority representation in security roles was 14% in 2023, focused on urban areas
12
Turnover rate in manned guarding was 18% in 2023, highest among sub-sectors
13
65,000 security personnel received mental health training in 2023 amid stress concerns
14
Remote monitoring operatives grew to 22,000 in 2023 with CCTV tech adoption
15
Security managers numbered 18,000 in 2023, averaging 10+ years experience
16
Vehicle patrol operatives totaled 15,000 in 2023, covering rural sites
17
Training hours per security worker averaged 45 in 2023, mandatory for SIA license
18
Overseas recruitment filled 5,200 security roles in 2023 due to shortages
19
Event security stewards peaked at 120,000 during summer 2023 season
Interpretation
Employment Statistics Interpretation
In 2023, the UK security industry grew and diversified, adding cyber and security roles rapidly with cybersecurity professionals rising 18% to 65,000 and female representation reaching 22% of the workforce.
02 · Category
Market Size And Economic Impact20 stats
01
In 2023, the UK security services market was valued at £9.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2018 to 2023 driven by rising cyber threats and physical security demands
02
The manned guarding sector accounted for 52% of the total UK security market revenue in 2023, amounting to approximately £4.8 billion annually
03
UK security industry exports reached £1.1 billion in 2022, with Europe as the primary destination comprising 45% of total exports
04
By 2028, the UK security market is projected to grow to £12.5 billion at a CAGR of 5.1%, fueled by smart city initiatives
05
In 2023, the electronic security systems segment contributed £3.4 billion to the UK security market, growing 6.2% year-over-year
06
Private security expenditure by UK businesses totaled £6.7 billion in 2022, representing 28% of total corporate security budgets
07
The UK security industry contributed 0.4% to national GDP in 2023, supporting over 450,000 indirect jobs through supply chains
08
Alarm response services generated £1.2 billion in revenue in 2023, with a 7% increase attributed to urban crime rates
09
Investment in UK security R&D reached £450 million in 2023, primarily in AI-driven surveillance technologies
10
The retail security sub-market was worth £2.1 billion in 2023, driven by shoplifting incidents rising 15%
11
UK security market fragmentation shows top 10 firms holding 35% share in 2023, with SMEs dominating 65%
12
Public sector contracts accounted for 22% of UK security market revenue in 2023, valued at £2.0 billion
13
In 2023, cybersecurity services within the broader security market grew to £2.8 billion, up 12% from prior year
14
Aviation security services revenue hit £850 million in 2023 post-pandemic recovery
15
Event security market expanded to £650 million in 2023, boosted by major festivals and sports events
16
Construction site security generated £1.4 billion in 2023 amid housing boom
17
Healthcare security spending reached £1.1 billion in 2023, focusing on patient safety protocols
18
Maritime security services valued at £550 million in 2023, driven by port vulnerabilities
19
Data center security market in UK hit £750 million in 2023 with cloud migration
20
Logistics security revenue grew to £1.0 billion in 2023 due to supply chain disruptions
Interpretation
Market Size And Economic Impact Interpretation
With the UK security market reaching £9.2 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to £12.5 billion by 2028, momentum is clearly being driven by rapid digital and smart-city demand such as electronic security at £3.4 billion in 2023 and cybersecurity services rising to £2.8 billion.
03 · Category
Regulatory Framework And Compliance18 stats
01
In 2023, 95% of UK security personnel held valid SIA licenses, enforced by audits
02
BSIA membership included 850 firms in 2023, audited for quality standards
03
GDPR compliance fines in security sector totaled £4.5 million in 2023
04
Private Security Industry Act 2001 led to 1,200 license revocations in 2023
05
Martyn's Law consultations completed in 2023, mandating terrorism protections
06
88% of security contracts required BS 7858 screening in 2023
07
CCTV code of practice updated in 2023, covering 1.5 million cameras
08
Health & Safety Executive inspections hit 2,500 security sites in 2023
09
Door supervisor license renewals processed 72,000 in 2023 with DBS checks
10
NACOSS Gold accreditation held by 420 installers in 2023 for systems
11
Modern Slavery Act reporting by security firms reached 95% compliance 2023
12
Firearms licensing for security denied 1,200 applications in 2023
13
Equality Act audits showed 92% adherence in hiring practices 2023
14
Data Protection Impact Assessments mandatory for 100% new CCTV installs 2023
15
Security vetting under BPSS completed for 150,000 roles in 2023
16
Alcohol licensing tied to 4,500 SIA door staff venues in 2023
17
Cyber Essentials certification achieved by 68% of security SMEs in 2023
18
Whistleblowing reports in industry rose 15% to 850 cases in 2023
Interpretation
Regulatory Framework And Compliance Interpretation
In 2023, the UK security sector showed a clear push toward higher compliance and stronger vetting, with 95% of personnel holding valid SIA licenses and GDPR fines reaching £4.5 million alongside a 15% rise in whistleblowing to 850 cases.
More related reading
04 · Category
Security Threats And Incidents19 stats
01
In 2023, reported burglaries in England and Wales totaled 285,000, down 5% from 2022
02
Cyber attacks on UK businesses rose 22% to 1.2 million incidents in 2023
03
Shoplifting offenses increased 37% to 430,000 cases in 2023 across UK retail
04
Terror threat level was 'Substantial' for 85% of 2023, with 12 thwarted plots
05
Vehicle thefts reached 130,000 in 2023, up 15% with keyless entry exploits
06
Fraud losses to UK economy hit £2.3 billion in 2023 from authorized push payments
07
Public disorder incidents during protests numbered 4,500 in 2023
08
Insider threats caused 18% of data breaches in security-sensitive sectors 2023
09
Rural crime costs farmers £45 million annually in 2023, mainly livestock theft
10
Phishing attacks targeted 75% of UK firms in 2023, averaging 2,000 per business
11
Metal theft incidents fell 12% to 18,000 in 2023 after infrastructure protections
12
Domestic violence callouts to security response teams hit 95,000 in 2023
13
ATM ram raids declined 20% to 250 incidents in 2023 with bollard installs
14
Supply chain attacks disrupted 1,200 UK firms in 2023
15
Airport security breaches logged 450 attempts in 2023, mostly perimeter
16
Construction site thefts cost £800 million in tools and materials 2023
17
Ransomware payments by UK victims totaled £11 million in 2023
18
Street robberies increased 10% to 75,000 in urban areas 2023
19
Data from 2.1 million records exposed in UK breaches during 2023
Interpretation
Security Threats And Incidents Interpretation
Across 2023, UK security threats broadened fast and hit multiple fronts, with phishing targeting 75% of firms and cyber attacks rising 22% to 1.2 million incidents, even as some crimes like burglaries fell 5% to 285,000.
05 · Category
Technological Advancements18 stats
01
In 2023, 72% of UK security firms adopted AI surveillance systems, improving detection by 40%
02
Biometric access control installations rose 25% to 150,000 units in 2023
03
Drone usage in security patrols covered 2.5 million hectares in 2023, up 30%
04
Cloud-based security management systems served 65% of enterprises in 2023
05
Facial recognition deployments in public spaces reached 5,200 cameras in 2023
06
IoT security devices installed totaled 1.2 million in commercial sites 2023
07
AI predictive analytics reduced false alarms by 55% in 45,000 monitored sites in 2023
08
5G-enabled CCTV networks expanded to 12,000 sites in 2023 for real-time monitoring
09
Blockchain for access logs implemented in 8% of high-security facilities in 2023
10
Thermal imaging cameras deployed 28,000 units in 2023 for perimeter defense
11
Mobile security apps downloaded 4.5 million times by guards in 2023
12
Quantum-resistant encryption adopted by 15% of security firms in 2023
13
Robotic guard patrols trialed in 250 sites, covering 500km daily in 2023
14
VR training simulations used by 35,000 security personnel in 2023
15
Smart locks installed in 320,000 residential units via security firms 2023
16
Edge computing in CCTV processed data locally in 40% of new installs 2023
17
License plate recognition systems scanned 150 million vehicles at UK borders 2023
18
Wearable tech for guards monitored 50,000 users' vitals in 2023
Interpretation
Technological Advancements Interpretation
In 2023, the UK security industry accelerated its shift to advanced technology, with cloud and AI leading the way as 65% of enterprises used cloud-based management systems and 72% adopted AI surveillance, boosting detection by 40%.
Reference
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APA
Elif Demirci. (2026, February 13). Uk Security Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/uk-security-industry-statistics
MLA
Elif Demirci. "Uk Security Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/uk-security-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Elif Demirci. 2026. "Uk Security Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/uk-security-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
59 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level