Crime in UK hotels impacts one in five business travellers

We recently commissioned a YouGov survey, which found that one in five business travellers in the UK have – or know someone that has – been a victim of crime when travelling for work.

Shocking statistics

More than 1,000 business travellers across the country about the safety and security of the accommodation chosen for them for work travel – and the results were staggering:

• 69 percent admitted they were unaware that tens of thousands of crimes are reported in UK hotels annually.
• 78 percent are not provided with any information on the safety and security of the accommodation they use.
• 82 percent said they would feel reassured if they knew they were staying in accommodation that been independently accredited for security and safety.

Our operations director, Brian Moore, commented: “Hotels are magnets for criminals capable of accessing guest rooms and public areas containing cash, credit cards, identity documents, portable devices, luggage, and other valuable items. If left unchecked, the safety and wellbeing of business travellers is at risk. It is vital venues always adhere to the highest standards of safety and security, but businesses with travelling employees must also do their due diligence by checking accommodation providers deliver best practice.”

Substantial evidence of negligence

The survey results arrive on the back of recently released statistics from eight of the largest police forces across the UK revealing 4,589 allegations of violence and 1,307 of public disorder – which often involves intimidation or the threat of violence – in hotels, motels, and guesthouses from June 2021-May 2022.There were also 3,999 reports involving theft, robbery, and burglary.

“The regulatory landscape has changed, and the introduction of ISO 31030 has set a new benchmark for duty of care to travelling employees, which includes selecting accommodation that has been independently accredited for its safety and security. Given the increased concern around business travel post-pandemic, it is important companies understand how to mitigate risks and demonstrate how seriously they take the safety and wellbeing of their travelling employees,” added Moore.

Find out how you can get your business ISO 31030 ready here.