The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is urging collective action to combat the rising violence against retail workers this Christmas.
- Incidents of abuse and violence towards retail staff have escalated to 1,300 each day, including threats with weapons and racial slurs.
- Delivery drivers face increased risk during this busy period, being equipped with personal safety devices to enhance their protection.
- The BRC is pressing the government to expedite a law making assault and abuse of retail staff a standalone offence.
- Warnings have been issued about potential job losses and store closures due to an increase in National Insurance.
As the festive season approaches, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) is making a significant appeal to the public to support retail workers against growing instances of violence and abuse. The BRC’s recent survey reveals a sharp increase, with incidents reaching 1,300 each day. These altercations range from threats with weapons to racial abuse, painting a troubling picture for the sector.
Amidst this challenging environment, delivery drivers, who are crucial during this bustling period, are under particular threat. To counteract the risks they face, many drivers are now equipped with personal safety devices that can alert the police, as well as DNA spit testing kits to identify assailants if attacked. This proactive measure highlights the severity of the issue at hand.
The BRC is adamantly calling on the government to act swiftly in implementing a standalone offence for assaulting, threatening, or abusing retail workers. BRC CEO Helen Dickinson articulates the urgency: ‘What our colleagues face on a daily basis is completely unacceptable.’ She insists that legislation should encompass all consumer-facing roles in retail to ensure a safer environment for workers during the holidays.
Additionally, the BRC, together with leading retailers, has addressed a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, highlighting the impending threat posed by the government’s decision to increase National Insurance. This increase, they warn, may lead to inevitable job losses, store closures, and a rise in prices, exacerbating the already tense situation within the retail sector.
Immediate and concerted action is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of retail workers during this critical time.
