Public Service
The security and armed service sector covers the armed forces, the police and fire services and the private security industry.
The Army employs 100,000, the Royal Navy 33,500 and 45,200 work within the RAF. There are around 140,000 police officers employed in regional and non-geographic forces such as the British Transport Police. The UK private security industry employs more than 500,000.
Close to half a million people work in the UK security business sector, from security guards and door supervisors, through to close protection officers and alarm installation engineers.
Most prison officers are employed by the Prison Service, run by the Government. In the UK there are approximately 29,600 prison officers. There are also some private prisons.
Although women can now hold almost the same roles as men within the armed forces, some restrictions still apply. In the army, for example, women are excluded from ground combat.
Training is a fundamental aspect of employment in the armed services. Each service offers structured and continuous training, including Apprenticeships in technical trades.
There are national skills shortages for defence medical service; aircrew; submariners and Royal Signals. While no formal educational qualifications are necessary for many jobs in this sector, applicants are required to pass various entrance tests.
How much could I earn?
Police Officer (Inspector and above) £56,421
Protective Service Officers £45,288
Security Guard £21,344
Security Manager £38,455
Senior Officers in fire, ambulance, prison and related services £41,656
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
The Royal Navy, Marines and Army will continue to face recruitment shortages.
Protecting businesses against theft, data loss and terrorism activities will continue to be big growth areas, with UK wide opportunities.
The Government wants to increase the role of civilian police staff (people who work for the police but are not police officers) to give police officers more time to carry out front-line duties. This will increase the opportunities available to civilian police staff.
The justice sector in the UK (custodial care, community justice and police) employs approximately 560,000. Employment levels are predicted to increase to about 573,000 by 2014.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Public Services. Look out to see whether the Diploma in Public Services is on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.