“Demand for security workers up 400% since March” states Orka

The job vacancy data is taken from Orka’s temporary work platform, Orka Works, which is used by 60,000 workers operating in the security and FM sectors, and by some of the world’s biggest employers (among them G4S and ISS). Orka’s data follows recent estimates from the Night-Time Industries Association that 60% of security roles for pubs, nightclubs and festivals risk being unfilled when such business finally reopen.

In addition to highlighting potential staff shortages in the security sector, the data also indicates that large-scale employers are increasingly opting to hire temporary workers over permanent staff, allowing for more flexibility in case of further restrictions or lockdowns.

Tom Pickersgill, co-founder and CEO of Orka, said: “In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a huge rise in the number of roles available on our platform for security workers. This is part of a wider trend of worker demand we’re seeing across the retail, hospitality and nightlife sectors.”

Pickersgill continued: “I don’t believe this demand, or the staff shortages, will disappear any time soon. A combination of Brexit and the pandemic has made it very difficult for employers to find and keep hold of their workforce. This is why workertech tools and platforms are going to be crucial for employers, helping them to fill these gaps in the coming months.”