It has long been perceived by many in the contracting industry that security cleared contract roles are virtually a closed shop. In simple terms, contractors who have not previously held security clearance have been unable to apply for security cleared contracts.

In July 2010 a new national security vetting policy framework was set out in a Ministerial Statement. The guidance clearly stated that individuals applying for a sensitive post requiring security clearance would not necessarily have to have existing clearance. However, in a new report issued recently, a serious market failure around the process of recruiting workers for security cleared Government roles has been highlighted. This report from PCG, the professional association representing freelancers, in conjunction with the University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies highlights the fact that there is still widespread discrimination against non-cleared individuals.

 John Brazier, Managing Director of PCG, commented, “Security Clearance should not only keep the wrong people out but get the right people in and we are not seeing this basic premise functioning currently. This is a catch 22 for some of the UK’s most qualified contractors who cannot get a post without clearance or get clearance without a post!”

“The Government should be benefiting from the best expertise but instead are at the mercy of a closed market that is operating outside the Government guidelines. It is time for the policymakers to back up their guidelines and enforce a fair competitive market that ensures the country is paying for and benefiting from the best talent available.”

PCG has now sent the report to the Cabinet Office and is awaiting a response to the report’s recommendations.