Retail association backs national campaign to protect shop workers from violence

Shop workers across Britain are facing an escalating crisis of violence and abuse, with violent attacks doubling since 2022, prompting the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) to back a nationwide campaign.

Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from 10-16 November, forms part of Usdaw's long-running Freedom From Fear Campaign and aims to raise awareness of the true scale of attacks on retail staff whilst encouraging the public to show respect for shop workers.

Usdaw's survey data shows that violent attacks against shop workers have doubled since 2022, with many incidents continuing to go unreported.

Andrew Goodacre (pictured), CEO of Bira, said: "We support this campaign as it is offering support to retail workers as well as asking the general public to think about their behaviours in shops.

“For too long retail workers have been easy targets for angry customers or thieves stealing from the shops.

"Alongside this campaign we would also like to see the relevant authorities renew their focus on retail crime and deliver meaningful support to shop workers.

“This support could be in the form of more police on the streets and greater use of community behaviour orders for serial offenders."

Bira's own research echoes these concerns.

The association's October survey found that physical abuse incidents against shop workers have nearly doubled to 7.04 per cent in the past six months, whilst a shocking 91 per cent of physical abuse incidents now go unreported due to lack of police response.

Some 83 per cent of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, and 68.5 per cent believe they are being targeted by repeat offenders.

The findings reveal a retail crime crisis that is intensifying across all retail sectors, with shop workers bearing the brunt of violence and abuse whilst criminals operate almost unchallenged.

The week encourages retailers and the public to take action by reporting every incident of violence or abuse to store management and police, raising awareness of the true scale of retail crime, and promoting respectful behaviour towards shop workers.

Bira champions the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain and campaigns on issues affecting the high street, including retail crime, business rates and legislation.

For more information about Respect for Shop Workers Week, visit this link.