Almost half of shop workers face weekly abuse or attacks as retail crime surges

"Nearly half of Britain's shop workers are abused or attacked every week, according to new research exposing the human toll of the UK's worsening retail crime crisis. The Retail Trust, which supports wellbeing across the retail sector, found that 43 per cent of shop floor employees had faced verbal or physical abuse on a weekly basis, while one in four reported being physically assaulted in the past year. More than three-quarters said they had experienced intimidating or aggressive behaviour from customers."

"The number of staff reporting weekly abuse has climbed sharply over the past year. Just twelve months ago, about a third said they faced regular hostility - underscoring what the Trust describes as a "deepening epidemic" of aggression in high street stores. "What was once occasional frustration has become routine abuse," said Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust. "We're being contacted by people who are ignored, disrespected and shouted at every single day.""

"The report paints a stark picture of deteriorating morale and mental health among retail employees. Of those who had experienced abuse, more than 40 per cent said they were considering quitting their jobs or leaving the sector altogether. Nearly two-thirds reported feeling anxious or fearful about going to work. Brook-Carter said shop workers are increasingly treated as "less than human", despite efforts by major retailers and government to curb violence and theft."

Retail Trust research reveals a steep rise in customer aggression: 43% of shop-floor staff face verbal or physical abuse every week and one in four suffered physical assault in the past year. Over three-quarters experienced intimidating or aggressive behaviour. Weekly reports of abuse have increased markedly from about one-third twelve months earlier, indicating escalating hostility. Abuse has damaged morale and mental health: more than 40% of those affected have considered leaving their jobs or the sector, and nearly two-thirds feel anxious or fearful about going to work. Staff are reported to feel treated as "less than human".

Read at Business Matters