Staff Searches at work

oliverp_2

SIA have absolutely nothing to do with this so drop that one...

Managers/security staff employed IN HOUSE (ie. they are not a contractor, example: G4S) do not require an SIA licence. Not that searching staff is licensable anyway.

iwanttosave_2

Blimey. I wouldn't mind being searched every day, but in front of customers! How is that showing a professional front? Why should I trust you if your employers don't?!

borders_dude

Oliverp is right, the SIA would simply laugh at you if you phoned them up about this. Their website is very informative about what they do and dont do.

I actually wouldnt have a problem with my car, locker, bags being checked by someone as long as it wasnt done in full public view. I would also consent to a pat down providing it wasnt in the public view either.

I have nothing to fear so wouldnt object to my employer doing it.

geri1965_2

borders_dude wrote: »

Oliverp is right, the SIA would simply laugh at you if you phoned them up about this. Their website is very informative about what they do and dont do.

I actually wouldnt have a problem with my car, locker, bags being checked by someone as long as it wasnt done in full public view. I would also consent to a pat down providing it wasnt in the public view either.

I have nothing to fear so wouldnt object to my employer doing it.

The OP is not objecting to being searched, but where the search is carried out.

I can imagine it must be humiliating in front of customers, who may not know it is common practice and think you are either a shoplifter or have stolen something.

I would not be very impressed with a shop who searches it's staff in full view of everyone - very unprofessional.

Anihilator

A lot depends on the store, size etc.

Whilst it isnt ideal a lot of smaller retailers maybe have a manager and 1 or 2 members of staff on duty and minimal back room space hence it has to be done this way.

woody01

-BA- wrote: »

I would be extremely surprised if it is acceptable for a member of management to actually undertake searches of this nature. This is a very intrusive aspect of security and would almost certainly be covered under the regulations governing the SIA. If the manager does not have an SIA licence, then I would consider questioning this method of shop security.

As for it being done in public that is extremely poor management and should be addressed. Don't let this issue carry on unchallenged.

On the first point you are incorrect. Staff searches are 100% legitimate and there is no law to suggest a management member cannot do this.

On the second point, regardless of whether it is poor management or not isn't the point. The manangement are within their rights to search you in full view.

However, there does have to be a company policy in place

There doesn't......its contractual that you agree.

and has to be done in a private place with 2 members of staff present

Sorry but that isn't correct either. It can be done where the management chooses.
You are correct about more than one person being present


If these points are written into company policy then you may have a point.
However, legally, it's not required.

eyeinthesky

woody01 wrote: »

You are correct about more than one person being present.

Hi, where does this info come from? Where I work, searches are carried out every day on everyone, including management, but not on public view. The only people present are the employee and the security guard, unless more than one employee is going at the same time. The search involves holding any bags open to view, or unusually, emptying the bags. The guard does not touch anything.

busterian

I was actually to referring to what OUR Company Policy was at the time

hollydays

callansdad wrote: »

a friend of mine has just been told that their managers will also be allowed to search their vehicles if they are in the store car park!

Any view on this?

Usually it needs to be in your contract.Therefore you have agreed to the conditions of employment-eg being searched,but ,saying that,you could still refuse,but would probably be sacked.Only the Police can search without permission.(Only a contract security person needs an sia licence,I believe.)

DCFC79

I think this should be in your contract about searches, as to the location well ive only been searched off the shop floor