The issue of abuse and violence towards retail workers has been addressed in recent changes to the law, but there is still more that can be done. James Murphy, CEO of Tesco, is calling for “abuse or violence towards retail workers” to be made a specific offense in England and Wales, as it is in Scotland under the Protection of Worker’s Bill.
In addition to this, Murphy is advocating for supermarkets to be informed about the progress of any cases involving their staff. He believes that holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency in the legal process can help put an end to the scourge of crime in our society.
To protect their staff, Tesco has taken the proactive step of providing body cameras, a measure that has also been adopted by other retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op, and Premier Eldred Drive Stores in Orpington, Kent.
Murphy’s call for change is supported by the British Retail Consortium’s annual Crime Survey, which revealed that there are over 850 incidents of violence and abuse occurring daily in the retail sector. Helen Dickinson OBE, CEO of the Consortium, emphasized the importance of the #ShopKind campaign in raising awareness about this issue and urged customers to show respect and kindness towards retail workers.
It is vital to address the physical and emotional impact that incidents of violence and abuse have on victims and their families. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of retail workers, we can ensure that no one has to fear going to work.
