1,200 extra troops required for Olympics as G4S comes up short
Ministers decided on Tuesday to provide an additional 1,200 troops to aid security at the Olympic Games after embattled security firm G4S failed to provide the amount of staff that it was contracted to.
Ministers decided on Tuesday to provide an additional 1,200 troops to aid security at the Olympic Games after embattled security firm G4S failed to provide the amount of staff that it was contracted to.
G4S was originally supposed to provide over 10,000 security personnel for the Games, which officially begins with the opening ceremony on Friday.
The group revealed today that the current number is closer to 5,800, but did say that "significant" numbers of candidates are reaching the final stages of training.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
"The security of the Games is the primary focus and therefore we understand the decision by Ministers to activate the additional contingency resource as a further precaution at this stage of the process," G4S said in a statement.
The company revealed earlier this month that it would not be able to ensure the size the workforce that it had agreed to, prompting the military to plug the gap with an initial 3,500 troops. Now, a further 1,200 troops who were previously put on standby will now be released for deployment.
"We are grateful to the military for their support in securing the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will continue to work with them and LOCOG to ensure that the Games are safe and secure," G4S said.
Despite the extra troops required, G4S said that overall losses to be incurred on the contract will remain within £35-50m range, as stated last week.
BC
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Reeves warned against property tax shake-up – 3 ways it could backfire on first-time buyers
Rachel Reeves reportedly has her eye on high-end property taxes in the upcoming Budget, but there are concerns a shake-up could unintentionally hamper those trying to get on the housing ladder
-
Average Brits want to retire five years before they can – who has the widest retirement gap?
Brits are expecting to work for longer than ever but there are big disparities in the number of extra working years predicted. A small tweak could help close the gap