Zarah Choudhary1,300 incidents of violence and abuse are reported every day against retail workers, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The BRC and its retail members called for swift Government action to introduce a standalone offence for assaulting, threatening, or abusing retail workers.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, 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.”
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of Usdaw, said: “Retail staff working in stores and delivering to customers deserve far more respect than they receive.
“It is shocking that over two-thirds are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.
“Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by theft from shops, which is clearly the result of a significant increase in police recorded shoplifting.
“Usdaw activists are campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect shop workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the runup to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of Retail Trust, said: “We see a rise in the number of people calling the Retail Trust’s helpline every Christmas as stores get busier and shoppers take out their frustrations on staff.
“Shop workers tell us they have products thrown at them and smashed up in front of them while those delivering orders get doors slammed in their faces and objects hurled in their direction.
“This completely unacceptable behaviour will leave many with no option but to consider leaving their jobs in the new year due to the understandable toll it takes on their physical and mental health.
“The Retail Trust has been running free training in November to give hundreds of retail workers new skills to manage and deal with any difficult situations this Christmas but we’re also asking shoppers to think carefully about the impact they’re having on the people that are working hard to help them.
“A little bit more patience and kindness will go a long way in making the Christmas shopping experience more enjoyable for everyone.”
Camilla Kater, SVP of rider and care at Deliveroo, said: “Delivery riders work very hard during the festive season, supporting restaurants and shops to reach customers across the UK.
“We’re urging the Government through our Right to Ride Safely campaign to ensure the standalone offence for assaulting or threatening a retail worker also includes delivery riders given the vital role they play in the retail industry.
“No one should feel unsafe whilst working, and abuse towards delivery riders should never be tolerated.”
