BRC calls on MPs to tackle rising abuse towards retail staff

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched the Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge.

Signatories pledge to stand with retail workers and support the legislation necessary to protect them. 11 cross-party MPs have thus far put their name to it.

The BRC Crime Survey, released earlier this year, showed that there were over 400 incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff every day.

This is despite retailers spending £1.2 billion each year on crime prevention. Common triggers include challenging shoplifters, enforcing age restricted sales and implementing social distancing and other coronavirus safety measures.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the BRC, says: “Every day, hundreds of hardworking retail colleagues are subjected to violence or abuse in their place of work.”

”These incidents can leave physical and emotional scars, and affect not only the victim, but also their families, colleagues, and communities. Sadly, the legislation meant to protect these workers is not fit for purpose, and many of these heinous crimes continue to go unpunished."

“These incidents have multiplied during the pandemic, which is why we are now calling on MPs from all parties to come together and sign the Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge. On behalf of the three million people who work in retail; their families and their communities, there is one simple message: doing nothing is not an option,” she concludes.