- BRC launches its Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge
- Pledge aims to improve legislation to protect shopworkers from violence
- Over 400 incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers occur every day
Today, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched the Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge. Signatories pledge to stand with retail workers and support the legislation necessary to protect them. 11 cross-party MPs have put their name to the pledge for the launch and the BRC is calling on MPs from all parties to add their name to this cause.
The BRC Crime Survey, released earlier this year, showed that there were over 400 incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff every day. This is despite retailers spending £1.2 billion each year on crime prevention. Common triggers for violence and abuse include challenging shoplifters, enforcing age restricted sales and implementing social distancing and other coronavirus safety measures.
Within the pledge, signatories agree that:
As elected Members of Parliament, we have a duty to protect retail workers, ensuring that those who needlessly assault shop staff face the full force of the law. No one should have to face violence or threats in their workplace.
I pledge to champion shopworkers in my constituency and:
- Recognise the serious impact that violence and abuse has on shopworkers and the local communities they serve
- Stand with retail workers to support legislation to better protect them
The Government has acknowledged the need for action to protect shopworkers. Commenting in the Daily Express, Home Secretary, Priti Patel, vowed to tackle the rising abuse and threats towards retail staff, "My message is clear - individuals responsible for these crimes must be caught and punished.”
The BRC has long been calling for tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers through the creation of a specific criminal offence, working closely with the Association of Convenience Stores, Usdaw – the shopworkers’ union, and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. These bodies are united in the need for new legislation to better protect retail workers.
Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Every day, hundreds of hardworking retail colleagues are subjected to violence or abuse in their place of work. These incidents can leave physical and emotional scars, and affect not only the victim, but also their families, colleagues, and communities. Sadly, the legislation meant to protect these workers is not fit for purpose, and many of these heinous crimes continue to go unpunished.
“These incidents have multiplied during the pandemic, which is why we are now calling on MPs from all parties to come together and sign the Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge. On behalf of the three million people who work in retail; their families and their communities, there is one simple message: doing nothing is not an option.”