Retail Trust launches new campaign to help tackle abuse of retail workers
The Retail Trust has launched a new campaign to urge shoppers to respect store staff amid rising levels of abuse in shops.
The Let’s Respect Retail campaign is encouraging shoppers to “help restore humanity to the high street” this Christmas, starting with simple gestures of respect such as a smile, a hello, or a thank you. The charity is warning that new laws alone will not be enough to fix the growing crisis facing retail workers.
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said: “Making the assault of a retail worker a specific offence will help the police deal with serious crimes, but it will do little to stop the rudeness, hostility and contempt that shop workers tell us they face during every shift.
“What was once occasional frustration has become routine abuse and we’re being contacted by people who are ignored, disrespected and shouted at every single day.
“They are being targeted by shoppers who treat retail workers as less than human and not even worthy of looking up from their phones for. This is taking a massive toll on people’s mental health, and many feel they have no option other but to leave jobs they once loved.”
A new survey conducted by the charity, involving 1,000 retail employees, found that more than three-quarters (77%) have experienced intimidating behaviour from customers in the past year, while nearly one in four (23%) have been physically assaulted.
Meanwhile, 43% said they are being abused or attacked every week. This marks a rise of 10% on last year, when 33% told the Retail Trust they were experiencing weekly verbal or physical assaults.
Subscribe to TRBThe findings are reinforced by a separate YouGov poll for the Retail Trust, which revealed that one in three people (34%) have witnessed someone being rude or abusive towards a shop worker in the past year.
The poll also found that nearly a quarter (24%) said they have forgotten to make eye contact or smile at a shop worker and 20% have forgotten to say hello or thank you.
Brook-Carter added: “It’s time for this to stop but it will take a collective effort. Our message at the Retail Trust is clear. Next time you are interacting with a shop worker, take time to look up, say hello, thank you and smile.
“Even the simplest acts of recognition can make a huge difference for people who are facing daily hostility, and it will make shopping a better experience for everyone.”
