BRC calls on public to give retail workers the gift of a safe Christmas

As Black Friday approaches, the British Retail Consortium and its retail members are calling on the public to join them as they stand together against violence and abuse towards retail workers this Christmas.

Data from the BRC’s most recent crime survey shows that the number of incidents has surged to 1,300 every day. These range from threats with weapons to physical assaults and racial slurs, all of which can have a severe impact on the physical and mental health of victims.

The BRC said violence and abuse is not restricted to workers in stores and that delivery drivers have also been subjected to abuse, physical violence, and threats with weapons. As a result, many are being provided with personal safety devices and DNA spit testing kits.

Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “As the clock runs down to Christmas, retail colleagues will be working extra hard to look after customers, helping them find what they need, keeping shelves stocked, and delivering gifts to people’s homes.

“While Christmas is an exceptionally busy time, any mistreatment of our colleagues will not be tolerated and we ask the public to stand with us in the fight against retail crime. Confrontations, be it verbal abuse or physical assault, can take a huge toll on victims, their families and their colleagues. Christmas is a time for everyone to enjoy.

“What our colleagues face on a daily basis is completely unacceptable. It is vital that the Government sends a clear message  and ensures the new standalone offence applies to all consumer-facing roles in retail. Together we can deliver a safer Christmas for everyone and end the scourge of violence against retail workers.”