Key takeaways
- Security work requires a licence from Justis under the Wpbr.
- You recognise a licensed security company by its ND number.
- A security company arranges cover during illness or holidays, with a freelance guard you arrange it yourself.
- A freelance arrangement carries a risk of disguised employment.
In this article
Two ways to hire security
You can hire a security guard through a security company or directly from a freelancer. Both can work well, but there are differences you should know about first.
The licence
In the Netherlands, the Private Security Organisations and Detective Agencies Act (Wpbr) governs who may carry out security work. A security company holds a licence from Justis, recognisable by its ND number.
Note: a freelance guard may only work independently with a licence of their own. Always ask for it.
Continuity
A freelancer is one person. If they fall ill or go on holiday, you have to arrange cover yourself. A security company schedules a replacement and makes sure the shift goes ahead.
Liability and employment law
With a freelance arrangement there is a risk of disguised employment, especially when the guard works at the same place for a long time and you set the hours. A security company is the employer and takes care of insurance, the collective labour agreement and payroll.
What suits you?
| Situation | Security company | Freelance guard |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent post | Suitable | Less suitable |
| One-off job | Suitable | Suitable |
| Cover during illness | Arranged | Arrange yourself |
Not sure? We are happy to think along, even if you end up choosing a different solution.
About this article
Who wrote this article?
Written by
B&O Security Group editorial team
Tilburg, active in Noord-Brabant and Limburg
The articles in this knowledge base are written by the B&O Security Group editorial team. Have an addition or a question about this topic? Feel free to get in touch.
