Aggression and Violence in the Retail Sector
Helen Burrows
Raising Awareness of Violence, Aggression and Harassment in and out of the Workplace | Traveller | Baker
With the recent news stating violence and aggression in retail has risen by 50% to 1,300 incidents per day in 2023 (brc-crime-survey-report-2024.pdf), it is no surprise that organisations are looking at ways to support the health and wellbeing of their workforce and keep employees safe at work.
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With the cost-of-living crisis ongoing, and less disposable income, retail workers are unfortunately likely to be targeted more often and experience a range of behaviours that lead to flashpoints for harassment, aggression, and violence, as people shoplift items, refuse to show ID, behave in an anti-social manner, or demand money from the tills. Of course, for front line workers who may be working alone in a shop and unable to walk away from the situation, the outcomes may be more serious.
There are far too many negative experiences for those working in the retail sector, from sexual and non-sexual harassment to aggression and assault when being challenged around the aforesaid behaviours, which are entirely unacceptable. It should not be seen as ‘part of the job’ and colleagues should be able to go about their work free from fear of violence and aggression.
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From the introduction of body-worn cameras and lone worker devices, to updating guidance and training workforces to effectively deal with conflict in the workplace, it is imperative that employers provide support across the board through a variety of solutions. Technologies such as lone-worker devices and body-worn cameras are great options to have in place but should not be the only option. Training around conflict resolution, delivered in various formats is imperative for staff to recognise the behaviours and the warning signs, before the situation escalates beyond their control.
In 2020, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust worked with the British Retail Consortium?to develop a 5-minute animation on conflict resolution, which also provides colleagues with some top tips around their safety. We are the one-stop shop for harassment, occupational personal safety and conflict de-escalation management training, as well as policy writing and consultancy work, with the objective to ensure your employees get home safe every day.
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For more information on how we can support you and your workforce in mitigating and managing abuse, aggression, and violence, contact us at [email protected] or via 0207 091 0014.