40,000 shopworkers were victims of violence in the last year according to a 2021 Crime Report from the Association of Convenience Stores.
It comes as the UK’s biggest retailers, the Home Office and independent charity Crimestoppers have today rallied together and launched a new campaign urging the public to ShopKind after the reopening of non-essential stores and shops across the country.
The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role in supporting people during these difficult times and emphasises that we should all treat workers and other customers with respect, kindness and gratitude.
The Home Office backed campaign is supported by major high street names as well as the nation’s independent shopkeepers, and the shopworkers Union USDAW. Over 100 retailers, local authorities and police representatives are supporting the campaign. The ShopKind campaign will be visible across high streets and social media from today.
Abuse and violence towards shopworkers is a bigger problem than many people might think, with at least 400 shopworkers abused every day according to the British Retail Consortium.
The Association of Convenience Stores’ 2021 Crime Report, shows that over the past year there have been over 1.2million incidents of verbal abuse, and around 40,000 incidents of violence against people working in convenience stores. Of these, more than a quarter involved a weapon, such as a knife, hammer, axe, or syringe.
Two-thirds of retailers (65%) have experienced Covid-related threats, with the most common causes of abuse being: reminding customers to wear face coverings, reminding customers of social distancing measures and queueing outside stores.
James Lowman, Chief Executive at the Association of Convenience Stores believes convenience stores have been keeping communities going throughout the pandemic. He believes there are still too many people being abusive and violent towards retailers workers and is available for interviews to talk about the ShopKind campaign.
More information about the ShopKind scheme, including downloadable posters and badges for use in store can be found on the ShopKind webpage HERE.