The UK government maintains a national threat level system to communicate the likelihood of a terrorist attack. This system is intended to help organisations, businesses, and the public understand the risk and take appropriate precautions. Threat levels are set based on intelligence and can change as situations evolve.
The five main threat levels are:
Low – an attack is unlikely
Moderate – an attack is possible but not likely
Substantial – an attack is likely
Severe – an attack is highly likely
Critical – an attack is expected imminently
A substantial threat level indicates that while an attack is not certain, it is likely enough that businesses should be vigilant and review their security measures. It does not mean your business is unsafe, but it is a signal to ensure that all security protocols are active and robust.
Being prepared at this level means assessing physical security, staff awareness, access controls and emergency procedures.
Businesses that take proactive steps can reduce risks and maintain a safe environment for employees, visitors and assets.