Mitie, the UK’s leading security provider, has partnered with WalkSafe, the nation’s foremost personal safety app, to address escalating safety concerns and empower individuals to feel secure in their daily lives. With alarming statistics highlighting the public’s unease, this collaboration aims to bring about meaningful change for organisations and their employees.
Alarming Safety Statistics Prompt Action
Recent research conducted by Mitie and WalkSafe reveals a troubling reality: almost half of women (44%) and one in five men (21%) feel unsafe walking in the dark, even during everyday activities like commuting. The findings coincide with an 81% surge in the use of the WalkSafe app since October, underscoring the growing demand for safety tools.
The National Police Chief’s Council has called the increase in violence against women and girls (VAWG) an “epidemic scale,” with VAWG-related crimes rising by 37% over the past five years. This trend has left many individuals fearful, particularly during the darker months when visibility is low.
The Gender Divide in Safety Concerns
Safety apprehensions vary significantly between men and women. Over half of women (51%) fear being followed by a stranger, while 34% are worried about sexual assault. Conversely, men are more concerned about being mugged (40%) or becoming victims of knife crime (28%).
This gendered disparity highlights the different challenges faced by men and women when walking alone at night. Women often take additional precautions, yet these measures come at both a financial and emotional cost.
Coping with the Costs of Darkness
As winter sets in and daylight hours shorten, almost three-quarters (69%) of people adjust their routines to avoid walking in the dark. Popular strategies include taking alternate routes (34%), using taxis or public transport (28%), or driving short distances (24%) to reduce exposure to potential risks. These adjustments cost the average individual an extra £100 per month.
The financial burden is not the only sacrifice. Over 15% of women and 7% of men admit to skipping social events entirely to avoid travelling at night. Such sacrifices highlight the broader impact of safety concerns on quality of life and social well-being.
Employers and Authorities Face Growing Pressure
With safety concerns mounting, 71% of respondents believe more must be done to ensure public safety. Two-thirds point to the government and local authorities as responsible parties, calling for better street lighting, improved policing, and enhanced safety initiatives.
However, the responsibility doesn’t end there. One in five respondents (19%) feels employers also have a role in ensuring their colleagues’ safety. For those working late hours or early shifts, this figure rises to over a third (36%), reflecting a growing expectation for organisations to invest in employee welfare beyond the workplace.
Proactive Solutions for Safer Communities
In a bid to address these concerns, Mitie and WalkSafe have joined forces to deliver an innovative solution. WalkSafe’s award-winning technology includes features such as real-time journey sharing and a comprehensive Safe Space map. This map integrates police data with user reports, enabling individuals to identify safe havens and plan secure routes home.
The partnership will also see Mitie enhance WalkSafe Pro, a version of the app tailored for organisations. Through Mitie’s 24/7 specialist security control centre, app users can access trained operatives for reassurance, guidance, and emergency support. This added layer of security ensures that employees and individuals alike have access to real-time assistance whenever needed.
Empowering Change Through Collaboration
Emma Kay, Founder of WalkSafe, shared the inspiration behind the app: “I created WalkSafe to help individuals take proactive steps to protect their safety, drawing from my own experience with harassment. Partnering with Mitie allows us to take WalkSafe to the next level, providing even more support and security. Their connected control centre will offer app users a level of protection that’s never been available before.”
Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services at Mitie, echoed these sentiments: “Our friends, families, and colleagues deserve to travel safely, yet violence against women, girls, and minority groups is increasingly prevalent across the UK. With this partnership, we aim to tackle these issues and foster safer communities. A fifth of the UK’s workforce expects their employer to help ensure their safety, and we want to assist organisations in meeting this vital need.”
The Future of Personal Safety
The Workers’ Protection Act, introduced in October, has placed greater emphasis on creating safe environments for employees. This partnership aligns seamlessly with these new regulations, offering organisations a proactive way to fulfil their duty of care.
By combining WalkSafe’s cutting-edge technology with Mitie’s unparalleled security expertise, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for personal safety solutions. Together, the two organisations aim to revolutionise how safety is approached, particularly for vulnerable groups and those working irregular hours.
A Call to Action
Mitie and WalkSafe’s partnership is a crucial step in addressing the UK’s safety challenges. As the use of personal safety apps continues to rise, it’s clear that individuals are seeking innovative tools to protect themselves. With their joint expertise, Mitie and WalkSafe are not only responding to this demand but also leading the charge in creating a safer, more secure society.