UK must follow Scotland's lead in protecting retail workers: BRC

"A new statutory offence would toughen sentences for those who are violent or abusive towards shopworkers, deter future perpetrators, and ensure shopworkers feel safer at work," BRC said while releasing its 2021 Retail Crime Survey, which highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by retail staff.

The survey shows there were 455 incidents of violence or abuse each day in 2019-20, up 7 per cent from 2018-19. The findings also show that the total cost to retailers of crime and crime prevention was £2.5 billion, an increase of 14 per cent over £2.2 billion in the previous year.

The total cost of crime has soared over the last three years, from £0.7 billion in 2016-17 to £1.3 billion in 2019-20. The most significant part of this was customer theft, which cost companies £935 million. This rise comes despite retailers continuing to spend record sums of £1.2 billion on crime prevention, the survey said.

In September 2020, the BRC launched its Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge, calling on politicians to stand with retail workers to support legislation for better protection. The pledge has so far been signed by over 55 MPs from all major parties. This came after the Prime Minister told Parliament in 2020, that “we should not tolerate crimes of violence against shopworkers”.

“Will retail workers in England and Wales ever receive the protection they deserve? Despite clear evidence showing the escalation of violence and abuse against retail workers, the Government has time and time again chosen not to act," said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.

“These are not mere statistics, those affected are our parents, our partners and our children, all who needlessly suffer, just for doing their job. Many incidents arise as staff carry out their legal duties, including age verification and more recently, implementing COVID safety measures. And, despite retailers spending enormous sums on crime prevention, the situation is only getting worse. Scotland has sent a clear message that the rise in violence and abuse must end, and the rest of the UK must follow their lead,” Dickinson added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)