A recent survey highlights serious safety concerns among retail workers, revealing widespread fear and consideration of leaving the industry.
- Nearly half of retail workers express fears for their safety due to increasing incidents of abuse and violence in the workplace.
- The Retail Trust’s survey shows a significant lack of support from employers, exacerbating safety concerns among retail employees.
- Incidents of verbal abuse, threats, and physical assaults are alarmingly common, with a high percentage of workers affected.
- Efforts are underway to address these issues, including training and campaigns to support retail workers and promote safer work environments.
The recent survey conducted by the Retail Trust underscores a growing concern among retail workers regarding their personal safety at work. With nearly half indicating fears for their safety, the situation is dire and warrants immediate attention. Many workers, disillusioned by the escalating violence, are now contemplating leaving their jobs, a testament to the seriousness of the issue.
The survey reveals a startling lack of support from employers, with 48% of workers feeling inadequately supported in handling violence and abuse. This lack of support contributes significantly to the pervasive fear felt by retail employees, highlighting a critical area for intervention.
Alarmingly, the survey found that a vast majority of retail workers have experienced some form of abuse: 98% reported verbal abuse, 33% faced threats of violence, and 14% were physically assaulted. Additionally, 10% encountered highly distressing incidents of being spat on. This pervasive abuse leaves 73% of workers feeling unsafe in their work environment.
The confrontations often arise from interactions with shoplifters, which 64% of victims identified as a trigger for the violence they face. Furthermore, 57% have witnessed theft or product damage, illustrating the frequent challenges retail workers must navigate.
Chris Brook-Carter, CEO of the Retail Trust, remarks on the severity of these incidents, describing them as “both horrifying and heartbreaking.” He highlights the distress faced by workers who have been insulted and threatened with the posting of humiliating footage on social media. The emotional toll is forcing many to reconsider their long-term careers in retail.
In response, Retail Trust, supported by organizations like Usdaw and the British Retail Consortium, is implementing training sessions to bolster the safety skills of retail workers. These sessions, scheduled from November 12 to 14, aim to equip workers with techniques to manage violent situations effectively, fostering a safer work environment.
In a show of support, some retailers, including H&M, are actively contributing to these efforts. H&M, for instance, plans to donate proceeds from its carrier bag levy to support training initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to improving retail worker safety.
The campaign for safer workplaces is gaining momentum, with industry leaders emphasizing the urgency of addressing retail violence. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, stresses the importance of redoubling efforts to combat this issue, essential for creating healthier and happier working conditions.
This urgent issue calls for immediate and concerted action to ensure the safety and well-being of retail workers.
