In more detail the message explains that HMRC is continuing to work closely with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to help businesses in the private security sector understand and meet their tax responsibilities.

The shared goal is to make sure workers who should be treated as employees are paid through payroll to both help protect their employment rights and benefits and also to allow fair competition for businesses that follow the rules.

The campaign activities

According to the HMRC, the joint operational activity with SIA across the UK has already delivered some interesting results. These include targeted enforcement activity in Canterbury in March 2026 and more recently in Manchester in August 2026, for which there will be follow on information in due course.

A large-scale letter campaign to businesses in April 2025 was also carried out which they say led to a quoted £48 million in additional PAYE and National Insurance contributions, after workers were moved onto the official payroll.

They have also received information which led to them investigating a number of security companies including those involved in activities such as:

• organised labour fraud
• Code of Practice 9 – serious tax fraud.

The message to the industry, according to HMRC, remains clear. "We’re committed to helping businesses get their tax right, but we won’t hesitate to take firm action against those who choose not to comply."

A YouTube video offers more information about HMRC's expectations for compliance in the private security industry.