GMB union slams ‘horrifying’ attacks on retail workers as research highlights growing problem
Attacks on retail workers are ‘completely horrifying’, the GMB union has said in response to a new survey by the Retail Trust. This shows that 77% shop staff have experienced intimidating behaviour in the past year and 23% were physically assaulted.
A further 43% said they are being abused or attacked every week, a 10% rise on last year.
During a recent GMB survey, meanwhile, Asda workers said they had been: stabbed, punched and threatened with syringes; spat at, suffered broken bones, been hit with bottles and had death threats against them and their children; delivery drivers had been chased by people in cars and been confronted by customers in the nude; store workers have had watermelons and joints of gammon thrown at them.
Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, says: “Our members in retail have been stabbed, punched and threatened with syringes while trying to do their job. It's completely horrifying - no one should have suffer this kind of abuse and violence at work.”
He added: “Retail employers need to ensure they have adequate staff and security to prevent this happening - and rock-solid procedures in place to support staff when it does."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Retail security was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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