It’s not something we like to think about, but as someone who has undergone door supervisor training, you are already aware that situations can escalate quickly and become unpredictable and volatile. This is particularly true when people are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, before and after they enter your place of work. Being a doorman is a unique and challenging career and on occasions a dangerous one.
If you have a family and or financial commitments, mortgage, or rent to cover and it would be difficult to cope without your financial contribution then insurance is a must!
Reputable security companies and managing agents will have full insurance packages safeguarding their employees/workers in the event of the unforeseen, thereby protecting your own personal finances. Should you damage property or worse still injure someone in the line of duty, you will be reliant on your companies’ public liability insurance to cover costs that can easily run into thousands of pounds. Legal insurance will also save the day if you find yourself accused of assault or any other public crime should it become necessary for you to be legally represented.
It is perfectly legal and above board to be paid cash if this is an agreement between yourself and an employer. In these circumstances, your employer would still need to pay your NIC and income tax contributions and supply you with a payslip detailing this information for each pay period. Paying cash is not to be used as a way of dodging an employers’ legal employment responsibilities to you. If no payslip is provided this should be an immediate red flag! it is your responsibility to investigate that you are correctly registered as an employee and that all duties are being met. You can do this by calling HMRC directly. They will be able to advise you. Claiming that you didn’t know or understand your tax responsibilities is not a reasonable excuse and will not excuse you of payment in full and possibly a substantial fine.
If you are self-employed you need to register as such with HMRC. You will then be supplied with a unique tax reference number (UTR) You will then need to complete an annual tax return detailing your self-employed income and will be liable for any tax owed at the end of the financial year. You will be responsible for ensuring that enough money has been set aside to meet this requirement. You will also be fully responsible for ensuring that you have the correct insurance policies in place. This would include public liability and personal injury insurance.
Cash in hand work can seem an incredibly attractive way of earning extra money, and is readily available for those who want it, or wish to attempt to dodge the system, however, should the worst-case scenario occur you could be left facing the financial and legal ramifications alone with no support. The SIA and HMRC work together to combat illegal employment practices within the security industry. “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will allow HMRC and the SIA to share information about businesses and individuals working within the sector in order to clamp down on those taking part in illegal working practices and tax fraud. All data sharing will fully meet existing legal requirements” SIA.
A Post pandemic surge in requirements for security operatives has seen a huge increase in demand for licensed SIA operatives up and down the country. It has also opened the flood gates for those wishing to abuse the system, the industry, and its workers, supplying staff illegally and without correct insurance. Never be afraid to ask questions if you are concerned, a reputable security company will have no problem in addressing your queries. It is always better to be safe than sorry…