The British Retail Consortium (BRC) highlights increased abuse against retail workers during the festive season.
- With 1,300 incidents reported daily, violence includes threats, assaults, and racial abuse.
- Delivery drivers face heightened risks and are being equipped with safety devices.
- The BRC urges swift government action for a standalone offence to protect retail staff.
- Concerns rise over potential job losses and store closures due to increased National Insurance.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is raising awareness about the alarming increase in abuse towards retail workers during the Christmas period. As retail activities peak, incidents of violence have reached unprecedented levels, with 1,300 cases reported daily. These include not only verbal abuse but also physical assaults and racial slurs. Such aggressive behaviour creates a hostile environment for workers engaged in consumer-facing roles.
Delivery drivers, who are essential to handling the surge in holiday parcels, are particularly vulnerable. Reports indicate they have been subjected to physical violence and threats involving weapons, escalating their need for protection. In response, many are now equipped with personal safety devices that can alert authorities to their location and are also using DNA spit testing kits to identify perpetrators.
In light of these circumstances, the BRC, alongside major retailers, is calling for immediate governmental intervention. BRC CEO Helen Dickinson emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, ‘What our colleagues face on a daily basis is completely unacceptable.’ The BRC is advocating for a standalone offence for assaulting retail staff, reinforcing that it should cover all roles within the industry to ensure comprehensive protection.
Further complicating the retail landscape, recent governmental decisions have stirred economic concerns. The BRC has cautioned that the increase in National Insurance could lead to significant job losses, store closures, and price hikes. This warning underscores the urgency of policy measures that do not exacerbate existing pressures on the retail sector during this demanding period.
The BRC calls for unity and decisive action to ensure a secure and fair environment for retail workers this Christmas.
