The British Retail Consortium (BRC) urges the public to stand against rising abuse of retail workers during the Christmas season.
- Incidents of abuse, including threats and physical assaults, have risen to 1,300 a day, according to the BRC’s crime survey.
- Delivery drivers, already facing violence and threats, are set to encounter increased workloads, necessitating protective measures.
- BRC calls on the government to swiftly introduce a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers, ensuring protection for all in the industry.
- Increased National Insurance could lead to job losses, store closures, and price hikes, as per warnings from the BRC and major retailers.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is urging the public to take a stand against the alarming rise in violence and abuse towards retail workers, especially during the bustling Christmas period. Recent findings from the BRC’s crime survey reveal a disturbing rate of 1,300 daily incidents, encompassing threats with weapons, physical assaults, and racial abuse. This surge in hostility towards retail staff highlights an urgent need for societal intervention to ensure their safety and well-being.
Amidst the backdrop of escalating violence, delivery drivers find themselves on the frontline, subjected to physical aggression and threats involving weapons. With the holiday season significantly amplifying their workload, these workers are being equipped with protective tools such as personal safety devices and DNA spit testing kits to enhance their security. The pressures and dangers faced by these individuals underline the broader issue of worker safety in consumer-facing roles.
The BRC has called upon the government to act swiftly by introducing a standalone offence specifically targeting the assault of retail staff. BRC CEO Helen Dickinson emphasised the importance of legislating comprehensive measures that would extend protection across all consumer-facing positions within the retail industry. She stated, “What our colleagues face on a daily basis is completely unacceptable. It is vital that the government sends a clear message and ensures the new standalone offence applies to all consumer-facing roles in retail. Together we can deliver a safer Christmas for everyone, and end the scourge of violence against retail workers.”
In addition to the call for stronger legal protections, the BRC, alongside some of the UK’s largest retailers, have expressed grave concerns regarding the government’s decision to increase National Insurance. These industry leaders have warned that such fiscal changes could lead to unavoidable job losses, store closures, and increased prices as businesses struggle to manage the additional financial burden. This correspondence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected challenges facing the retail sector.
The BRC’s appeal for public support and legislative action highlights the critical need to safeguard retail workers amid increasing violence and financial pressures.
