A charity is running a Let’s Respect Retail campaign, calling on shoppers to show respect and kindness to shop workers in the run-up to Christmas on the high street.
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said: “Making the assault of a retail worker a specific offence will help the police deal with serious crimes, but it will do little to stop the rudeness, hostility and contempt that shop workers tell us they face during every shift.
“What was once occasional frustration has become routine abuse and we’re being contacted by people who are ignored, disrespected and shouted at every single day. They are being targeted by shoppers who treat retail workers as less than human and not even worthy of looking up from their phones for. This is taking a massive toll on people’s mental health, and many feel they have no option other but to leave jobs they once loved.
“It’s time for this to stop but it will take a collective effort. Our message at the Retail Trust is clear. Next time you are interacting with a shop worker, take time to look up, say hello, thank you and smile. Even the simplest acts of recognition can make a huge difference for people who are facing daily hostility, and it will make shopping a better experience for everyone.”
Training
As featured in the August edition of Professional Security Magazine, free training run by the Retail Trust is for shop staff to help them deal with what the charity calls a rise in antisocial and threatening behaviour.
Among retail comment, Karen O’Rourke, managing director at H&M UKIE, said: “The Retail Trust’s findings are really concerning and reveal a reality no retail worker should face. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported at work but the impact of rising abuse is unacceptable.
“Retail is a cornerstone of our communities and economy, employing millions and offering meaningful careers. We urge every customer to shop with empathy and remember the people that make it all possible, especially during the busy festive season. As an industry, we must address this and ensure retail remains a place where people can thrive and feel respected.”
Surveys
A YouGov online survey in September for the Retail Trust found nearly a quarter (24 per cent) have forgotten to make eye contact or smile at a shop worker and 20pc have forgotten to say hello or thank you. A further 71pc of shoppers admitted to getting annoyed with a shop worker, delivery driver or someone working in customer services. Of these, 13pc said they raised their voice or lost their temper. A third (34pc) of people have witnessed someone being rude or abusive towards a shop worker in the past year.
Some three in ten (30pc) of workers, according to a separate survey, said they or a colleague had even been filmed without their consent for someone’s social media. Some three quarters (77pc) of shop staff have experienced intimidating behaviour in the last year and a quarter (23pc) were physically assaulted according to the survey of 1,000 workers, and some 43pc said they are being abused or attacked every week.
Union week
Next week the shop workers trade union Usdaw is running its annual Freedom From Fear campaign. It reports its surveys of members have shown increases in violence and abuse against retail workers in recent years.
