The Retail Trust has conducted a survey highlighting safety concerns among retail workers.
- Nearly half of the retail workers fear for their safety due to increasing abuse and violence.
- A significant portion of employees feel unsupported by their employers in dealing with these challenges.
- The data shows a worrying trend with widespread incidents of verbal abuse and violence.
- Efforts are underway to provide training and support to affected workers.
The Retail Trust has carried out a survey that reveals nearly half of the retail workers feel unsafe in their workplace. This alarming statistic underscores the increasing concerns for personal safety among those employed in the retail sector.
According to the survey, 47% of retail employees are worried about their safety. The research indicates a high level of dissatisfaction with employer support, as 48% of workers feel they are not adequately assisted in managing the current levels of violence, threats, and abuse at work.
The anonymous survey, which included responses from 1,240 retail workers, exposed a troubling pattern of abusive behaviour. Eighty percent of shop workers and a staggering 90% of store managers have encountered abusive incidents while at work. Most have experienced verbal abuse (98%), and many have faced direct threats and physical confrontations, with 33% threatened with violence, 14% physically assaulted, and 10% having been spat on.
A large majority of these incidents are provoked when staff confront shoplifters, with 64% of workers stating that violence or abuse followed such confrontations. Furthermore, 57% have observed products being stolen or wilfully damaged, adding to their sense of insecurity.
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive of the Retail Trust, described the situation as ‘both horrifying and heartbreaking’. Highlighting the gravity of the issue, he stated that workers have reported incidents where they were spat on, threatened with violence, and filmed by aggressive customers, with threats to post such footage online. Many workers expressed their despair by contemplating leaving jobs they once loved due to feeling unsafe.
To address these challenges, the Retail Trust is offering free training sessions to equip retail workers with skills to handle difficult situations. These sessions are intended to enhance their ability to manage in-store challenges and are scheduled to take place online and in London from 12th to 14th November.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, has expressed the critical need to tackle retail violence, stating it is paramount for healthier workplace environments. Meanwhile, the Retail Trust’s respect retail campaign is rallying support from various sectors, including contributions from fashion retailers and a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse.
The collective effort from retail organisations aims to create safer and more supportive working conditions for retail workers amidst increasing concerns.
