Turnover security branch down

Turnover generated by the security and investigation branch in the third quarter of 2013 was down from the same period last year. Turnover declined for the second consecutive quarter. Prices of security services have risen over the years. The number of firms grew, but the number of jobs declined.

Change in second quarter

Turnover generated by the security and investigation branch in the third quarter of 2013 was 1.8 percent below the level of one year previously. Turnover fell for the second consecutive quarter. This is a considerable change in the branch, as the nine preceding quarters showed turnover growth. Since the second quarter of 2013, the recession has also affected this branch. 

Turnover developments security and investigation services

Security services more expensive

Prices in the security branch have risen continuously since 2009, although the price increase has been considerably lower since 2011 than in previous years. The price increase by 1.6 percent in the third quarter of 2013 was more than one percentage points below the level of inflation, which underscores the difficult situation in the branch.

Price developments security and investigation services and inflation

More firms, fewer jobs

On 1 January 2013, nearly 2,500 security and investigation firms were active in the Netherlands, i.e. an increase by 23 percent relative to 2009, but employment declined, from 45 thousand in 2009 to 42 thousand in 2011. Recent technological developments play an important part in security alarm systems. Sophisticated electronic security alarm systems reduce the need for the physical presence of security staff.
The Economic Survey shows that most employers in the security branch have been pessimistic about employment in their branch since the first quarter of 2013. Almost 40 percent anticipate lay-offs in the fourth quarter of this year, 5 percent expect to recruit staff.

Number of security and investigation services

Elena van Kampen