This is not just about a cost to the bottom line. Behind these figures there is individual human pain and distress. It is unacceptable.
“In many areas local authorities and local police are treating retail crime as if it doesn't matter. The Home Secretary must use her influence to ensure retailers and shop workers receive the same level of protection where they work as they rightfully expect at home.”
USDAW General Secretary John Hannett said: “The BRC's Annual Crime Survey is the most authoritative measure of retail crime, so I am very concerned about the reported increase in incidents last year, particularly those involving violence or the threat of violence to staff."
“The number of reported incidents thankfully remains much lower than the peak in 2003 when Usdaw launched our Freedom from Fear campaign and this is a result of the work Usdaw, the BRC and many good retail employers have done to combat the problem."
“We want local partnerships of retailers, shopworkers, councils and police to work together to rid our shops and shopping areas of this criminal and anti-social behaviour. This not only affects retailers and staff, but customers and the wider community as well. Which makes it all the more important that we work together”.
Tracy Low, who is a USDAW rep and shop floor worker said: “Incidents of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers are far too common."
"Verbal abuse is a daily experience for many and it can really grind you down. We along with retailers are asking for respect, because we feel very strongly that abuse is not a part of the job.”
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British Retail Consortium
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