UK employers are taking the terror threat seriously

The UK's largest businesses are deeply concerned about terrorism, with nearly two-thirds of respondents to a new survey regarding terror attacks as a significant threat to their organisation.

The survey also reveals that 93% of employers believe the war in Iraq has increased the threat of global terrorism. A total of 59% feel that the terrorist threat will increase over the coming 12 to 24 months.

With the UK on heightened alert for possible terrorist attacks, employers recognise the need for robust organisational procedures for dealing with a crisis and recovering afterwards. The majority of the surveyed companies spend a significant proportion of their security budget on counter-terrorist measures.

Some 54% of participants feel that security measures introduced in the aftermath of 11 September 2001 have positively affected their ability to do business. Only 16% report that security measures have had a negative impact on their business.

The survey was carried out by Janusian Security Risk Management in conjunction with RAND Corporation and the Financial Times.

  • Terrorism and business continuity survey 2004 
    • Read the full results of the survey, as published on the website of Janusian Security Risk Management, based on responses from 88 large companies during March and April 2004.

  • MI5 guidance on limiting threats from inside your organisation and Spooks share tips for fight on terrorism    Personnel Today's Quentin Reade reports on the launch of a new MI5 website offering security guidance to businesses.

    Also

    State of emergency   IRS Employment Review consults a panel of 11 public and private sector organisations on their plans for emergency situations and subsequent business recovery.

    UK employers unprepared for terrorist disruption  Writing on personneltoday.com, Ben Willmott examines research from the Chartered Management Institute claiming that UK employers are not prepared for possible terrorist attacks.

    A case of when, not if   Writing in Occupational Health, Greta Thornbury, reports on the 2002 conference on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism .