15.07.2026 / Press releases /

Butlin’s at 90: Resort safety officers demand safer holidays and warn of strike ballot

Butlin’s at 90: Resort safety officers demand safer holidays and warn of strike ballot

· As the UK resort celebrates its 90th anniversary, Butlin’s resort safety officers launch campaign with 7 demands for a safe, secure and fair workplace.

· The officers, members of United Voices of the World union, yesterday presented their demands in a letter to management at Butlin’s Bognor Regis. 

·  UVW members say understaffing, low pay and poor management are putting guests and staff at risk. 

·  The officers have given Butlin’s seven days to respond to their demands, warning that failure to do so could lead to industrial action. 

·  Butlin’s reported £28.3 million in pre-tax profits in 2024, according to Companies House accounts.

As Butlin’s celebrates its 90th anniversary, Resort Safety Officers at its Bognor Regis resort have launched a campaign with seven demands for a safe, secure and fair workplace. 
 
The officers, all members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, say they protect thousands of families every year and are calling on Butlin’s to invest in the workers who keep guests safe.

In a letter to Butlin’s management hand delivered yesterday, the officers say chronic understaffing, broken equipment, unlawful wage deductions and poor management are undermining their ability to protect guests and staff. They warn that exhausted officers, unpaid breaks, and an over reliance on agency staff in supervisory roles are creating serious safety risks across the resort.

The workers say they have repeatedly raised these concerns but have been ignored, leaving them with no option but to launch a public campaign. Their seven demands include changes to management and workplace policies, £14 an hour, paid night-shift breaks, repayment of unlawfully deducted wages, the recruitment of five additional permanent Resort Safety Officers and union recognition.

Butlin’s operates resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, and reported pre-tax profits of £28.3 million in 2024, according to accounts filed at Companies House.

Alan Riley, a Resort Safety Officer at Butlins Bognor Regis and UVW member said:  
 
“I’ve worked in security for more than 20 years, including in the Met Police and at the Royal Albert Hall, so I know good security well. What we’re seeing at Butlin’s is unacceptable. We work 12-hour shifts dealing with violence, aggression, lost children, and medical emergencies to keep families safe, yet we’re understaffed, unsupported and taken for granted. In the last two weeks alone, I’ve faced violence at work, and not one manager has checked on me. We have an incredible team who give everything to protect guests, but we’re not getting the support or respect we deserve. That’s why we’re standing together and demanding change.” 
 
Nelly Ospino, UVW General Secretary said:  
 
“Our members have given Butlin’s seven days to do the right thing. If the company fails to respond meaningfully, they are prepared to escalate the dispute, including by balloting for industrial action. Every frontline worker deserves to be able to carry out their job safely, especially the safety officers trusted with protecting thousands of families every year. UVW will back our members every step of the way until they win the safe working conditions, fair pay and the respect they deserve.” 
 
For further information, contact the UVW communications team:

Isabel: 07706 987443

Cristina: 07548 759340

Email: comms@uvwunion.org.uk    
   

About UVW 

United Voices of the World (UVW) is a grassroots union representing low-paid, migrant and precarious workers, including security guards, cleaners, concierges, couriers, carers, and hospitality staff. 

ENDS 

SHARE