Organisers of the Commonwealth Games, which begin this week, have played down claims there is a shortage of security staff.
Industry expert Philip Ingram MBE claimed the shortfall reflects the current position across the country.
But a Commonwealth Games spokesman insisted that “our recruitment is on track” when the sporting event starts on Thursday in Birmingham.
Ingram, who contributes to Security Journal UK, said: “As the Commonwealth Games are getting ready to open in Birmingham security staff are still in short supply and this reflects an increasing shortage of trained security staff across the country.
“Unlike the Olympic Games in London, where the military had to be drafted in to fill the gaps, there is no suggestion of that having to happen in Birmingham but planning has happened just in case.
“With the introduction of the new Protect Duty as early as late 2023, the pressure on security staff numbers is likely to grow and it is probably that higher pay rates will be the only way to attract personnel into what remains a vital role.”
A statement issued by the organisers of tha Commonwealth Games said: “Our recruitment is on track and when the Games officially begin on Thursday July 28 there will be a workforce of approximately 35,000 people.
“This includes members of our extensive supply chain, our 14,000 volunteers, and our staff. In addition to this, there will be thousands more working in Games related roles on behalf of our Games partners.”
For more information on the Commonwealth Games, go to birmingham2022.com
ABOUT THE GAMES
According to the website, the Commonwealth Games bring nations together in a colourful celebration of sport and human performance. But the Games have evolved dramatically since its beginnings in 1930.
Held every four years, with a hiatus during World War II, the Games have grown from featuring 11 countries and 400 athletes, to a global spectacle of 4,600 sports men and women from across 72 nations and territories.
Underpinned by the core values of humanity, equality and destiny, the Games aim to unite the Commonwealth family through a glorious festival of sport. Often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’, the event is renowned for inspiring athletes to compete in the spirit of friendship and fair play.
Some of the most memorable sporting moments in history took place at the Commonwealth Games:
At the 1954 Vancouver Games, Roger Bannister and John Landy became the first people to break the four-minute mile in a race that became known as the ‘Miracle Mile’.
Chantal Petitclerc became the first gold medal winner in a para-sport in 2002. An occasion that marked the first time an event for an athlete with a disability had been part of the official programme.
And women’s boxing became a mainstay of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 with Team England’s Nicola Adams taking the first gold medal in the flyweight division.
The encouraging ethos of the Games has stirred athletes to sprint faster, leap higher and push themselves to the very limits of what the human body is capable of.
The 2022 Games will be the first time West Midlands has played host to the event, following London 1934, and Manchester 2002. As preparations for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games take shape, the West Midlands become part of a lasting legacy. One that displays world-class teamwork, athleticism and friendship.
LEGACY
Birmingham 2022 has always been about more than sport and tickets, unafraid to do things differently, and striving for new benchmarks in creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability and to leave an indelible mark on the region. Our legacy programme spans 11 different areas and is helping Birmingham and the West Midlands to maximise the benefits of hosting the Games.
Together with our legacy partners we have used the Games to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, act as a catalyst for change, help the region to grow and succeed, and put us on the global stage. Birmingham 2022’s legacy will live on in the skills, confidence and optimism of the local people who have been positively impacted by the Games in their daily lives. It will travel on to future events, as well in the new image of Birmingham and the region that has been forged by the Games.