Mitie security guards not given proper PPE equipment and many not security cleared for high profile roles
The Unite union has lodged a formal grievance with outsourcing giant Mitie over its treatment and management of workers employed as security for MPs after it became known that they were refusing to issue staff with stab vests.
Despite the tragic deaths of MPs Jo Cox and David Amess as well as PC Keith Palmer from knife attacks, security personnel employed on a new outsourced contract have been denied access to this critical PPE equipment. Previously the role was done by Met Police officers who were routinely issued with stab vests.
Further concerns have also been raised by the union over the security clearance of workers as many had not passed security clearance protocols when they started working for Mitie during the general election period in 2024. Unite believes that this is an ongoing concern.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is totally unacceptable to be penny pinching when it comes to the safety of workers. Mitie’s refusal to issue stab vests is putting our members and the MPs they are guarding at risk
 
Unite members at Mitie have also reported systemic breaches regarding unrecorded working hours, automated 12-hour booking logoffs, lack of rest breaks, severe fatigue from long-distance travel, and unpaid administrative duties that Mitie has also failed to resolve. Team leaders within Mitie are also not being given any additional pay for the extra responsibility they have taken on.
Unite regional officer Keith Henderson said: "This is dangerous work. Our members lives and those of the MPs they are employed to protect should not be put at risk for the sake of profit.
 
"Unless the situation rapidly improves, our members will take action to ensure their safety."
Mitie Protective Services was formed in November 2024 after initially fulfilling a short term contract at the 2024 general election. The contract is outsourced by the Home Office. They provide close protection and security for MPs with specific concerns over security such as high profile back benchers or leaders of major opposition parties.
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David Carnell

Senior Communications Adviser

07718 66659