Pret a Manger tests out body worn cameras for staff as UK shop workers face rising abuse in the workplace

Sandwich and coffee chain Pret a Manger is trialling body worn cameras in a select number of stores in London.

A spokesperson said: “These are only being worn by team leaders or managers, and are only turned on in specific circumstances.”

Signs have been put up in those store conducting the trial to make customers aware. Only Pret’s security team will have access to any footage captured.

Pret A Manger follows Tesco and The Co-op in testing out body worn cameras as UK shop workers face increasing levels of violence and abuse.

British Retail Consortium research reveals that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise came despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2 billion on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722 million the previous year.

The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8 billion from £953 million the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3 billion – double the previous year.

The BRC’s annual crime survey highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail. Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures. 

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the BRC, said: “With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues.”

“Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare. And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime.”

“And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to. This is a crisis that demands action now.”

“Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.”

“The Protection of Workers Act in Scotland already provides additional protection to retail workers, so why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less protection? It is vital that government takes action – introducing a new standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

The employee experience is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.