Shift work for security guards
Security officers, door supervisors, CCTV operators and event security often work long day and night shifts, cover sites for different companies and pick up extra shifts at short notice. Rates change by contract and site, which makes payslips hard to check.
How your pay works
- Your rate depends on the contract and site, so two officers at the same company can be on different rates.
- Night, weekend and bank holiday premiums depend on your contract. There's no legal night premium.
- Deductions for your SIA licence, uniform or training can't take your average pay below the minimum wage.
- Security work is one of the areas where break and rest rules can be varied, but you must get equivalent compensatory rest.
- Working for more than one company? Your total hours count towards the 48-hour average week unless you've opted out.
What to keep a record of
- Each shift: company, site, start, finish, break
- The rate for each site
- Nights and premium hours
- Licence expiry date
- Which company still owes you
Get started
Not sure what the legal minimum is for your age? See the current minimum wage rates. Shiftaan keeps every shift, rate and payment in one place, so checking a payslip takes seconds. Try it free.
Common questions
Can I work for two security companies?
Usually yes, unless your contract has an exclusivity clause. Watch your total weekly hours and the 11 hours' rest between shifts.
Do security guards get paid more at night?
Only if your contract says so. There's no legal night premium in the UK.
Can my employer charge me for my SIA licence?
They can deduct it if you agreed, but not in a way that takes your average pay below the minimum wage.