The Christmas season presents significant challenges for the retail industry. Credit: zuiko_photo/Shutterstock.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), along with its member retailers, is appealing to the public for support in combating the escalating violence and abuse directed at retail employees during the holiday season. 

The call to action is prompted by a troubling spike in aggressive incidents, with BRC’s latest crime survey indicating an average of 1,300 occurrences each day.  

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Confrontations range from weapon threats and physical attacks to verbal harassment, all of which can have damaging effects on the well-being of workers.

With online sales accounting for up to a third of total retail sales before Christmas, delivery drivers are also at risk and are being provided with protective measures such as personal safety devices and DNA spit testing kits. 

Retailers are urging the government to swiftly introduce a standalone offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing retail workers, covering all industry employees. This action would demonstrate zero tolerance for such behaviour and enhance worker safety.  

The BRC emphasises that everyone plays a role in fostering a pleasant shopping environment, and appeals for customer patience and kindness during the coming December 2024 peak shopping period. 

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BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “As the clock runs down to Christmas, retail colleagues will be working extra hard to look after customers, helping them find what they need, keeping shelves stocked and delivering gifts to people’s homes. While Christmas is an exceptionally busy time, any mistreatment of our colleagues will not be tolerated and we ask the public to stand with us in the fight against retail crime. Confrontations, be it verbal abuse or physical assault, can take a huge toll on victims, their families and their colleagues. Christmas is a time for everyone to enjoy. 

“What our colleagues face daily is completely unacceptable. It is vital that the government sends a clear message and ensures the new standalone offence applies to all consumer-facing roles in retail. Together we can deliver a safer Christmas for everyone and end the scourge of violence against retail workers.” 

The Scottish Retail Consortium and trade union Usdaw also made a recent joint appeal for considerate Christmas shopping, urging the public to treat retail workers and fellow customers with kindness during the festive season.