A recent survey highlights safety concerns among retail workers, with many considering leaving their jobs.
- Close to half of retail employees express fears for their safety while on duty.
- A significant percentage of workers feel unsupported by employers concerning violence and abuse.
- The survey reveals alarming statistics on verbal and physical abuse faced by retail staff.
- New initiatives are being introduced to combat abuse and support workers.
The recent findings from a survey conducted by the Retail Trust have brought to light significant safety concerns among retail workers. According to the survey, almost half of the retail employees, specifically 47%, reported fearing for their safety while at work.
The survey further details that a notable 48% of the respondents feel inadequately supported by their employers when addressing incidents of violence, threats, and abuse. This lack of support compounds the stress and insecurity felt by the workers in the retail sector.
Shockingly, the survey indicates that 80% of shop workers and 90% of store managers have experienced abusive incidents in their professional environment. Furthermore, 98% of these individuals reported facing verbal abuse, while 33% encountered threats of violence. Physical assaults were reported by 14% of those surveyed, and 10% stated that they had been spat on. As a result of these experiences, around 73% of respondents declared feeling unsafe at their workplace.
The findings also point out that 64% of the abusive incidents occurred when workers confronted individuals suspected of shoplifting. Additionally, 57% of retail employees witnessed products being stolen or damaged during their to work shifts.
In response to these disconcerting statistics, the Retail Trust has initiated free training sessions for retail staff. From 12 to 14 November, these sessions will be conducted both online and in person in London, aiming to equip retail workers with skills to handle challenging situations that may arise during the festive shopping season. These initiatives come as 48% of the workforce feels they lack sufficient employer support to manage difficult occurrences at work.
Chris Brook-Carter, the Retail Trust’s Chief Executive, remarked on the severity of the situation, noting the distress caused by such incidents as “horrifying and heartbreaking.” The Retail Trust has observed an increasing number of workers expressing intentions to leave jobs they have long cherished, driven by the necessity to ensure personal safety.
The Retail Trust’s efforts are supported by various entities, including the British Retail Consortium and fashion retail giants. These supporters advocate for a zero-tolerance stance towards workplace abuse, endorsing comprehensive measures to enhance the safety and well-being of retail personnel. As part of these efforts, H&M will allocate proceeds from its carrier bag levy to further these training initiatives during November.
The survey underscores the urgent need for decisive action to ensure retail workers’ safety and well-being in the workplace.
