Tesco to roll out body-worn cameras to delivery drivers
Tesco is rolling out body-worn cameras to over 5,000 delivery drivers in 100 stores by the end of this year.
The supermarket is investing in the technology in response to the escalating levels of threats and violence towards retail delivery drivers in recent years.
Having already been rolled out to Tesco store staff, the cameras have been trialled with drivers in Hull where they have been shown to reduce serious incidents by 50%. The cameras will only be turned on if a driver feels unsafe. .
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco UK chief executive, said: “Nobody should have to face verbal or physical abuse at work, and the rollout of body-worn cameras will help us protect our drivers, deter would-be offenders and reduce the number of serious incidents.
Subscribe to TRB“The safety of our customers and colleagues will always be our first priority and we are making significant investments to make sure we lead the way in tackling retail crime and ensure everyone feels safe whenever they shop with Tesco.”
The move has been welcomed by retail trade union Usdaw.
Daniel Adams, national officer for the union, said: “Usdaw regularly engages with Tesco on its ongoing efforts to protect retail workers from the continued threat of abuse and violence.
“Our customer delivery driver reps have consistently pointed out that this is an issue that extends beyond stores, with drivers being particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this investment in bodycams is to be welcomed given the clear evidence that they significantly reduce the risks of abuse and violence for those that wear them.”
In September, Tesco provided all its UK staff with free access to a personal safety app that allows them to track their journeys and raise an alarm if they feel unsafe. The initiative was introduced in response to feedback from colleagues who said they sometimes felt unsafe when travelling to and from work.
