Angry Customer Cartoon iStock zaricm

The customer is not always (al)right: the alarming rise of abuse and violence against public-facing workers

Incidents of abuse and violence against workers who deal with the public are on the rise. What is causing this spike in inappropriate behaviour, and what can employers and the Government do to make the workplace safer for public-facing employees?

By Kerry Reals on 31 January 2025

Retail Violence iStock Jiggo_thekop

Violence against retail workers: a growing workplace crisis

The festive and new year period is one of the busiest times of year for those working in retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing sectors. During this time of supposed good will and seasonal joy, we see a worrying rise in violent and abusive offences against retail workers.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 31 January 2025

Tim Marsh Book Cover

British Safety Council and Dr Tim Marsh launch book to raise money for mental health charities

British Safety Council has teamed up with renowned safety psychologist Dr Tim Marsh to publish a book containing his insights on health, safety and wellbeing over the years, with all proceeds being donated to two mental health charities.

By British Safety Council on 23 January 2025

News

Festival Tents iStock noonard

UK festival workers voice safety and wellbeing concerns in new survey by union

Workers on UK festival sites have raised concerns about their safety and working conditions, pointing to long hours and extreme heat, in a survey carried out by the Bectu union.

By Kerry Reals on 03 February 2025

Tim Marsh Book Cover
SHW Sarah Newton HSE
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Features

Woman at Stand Up Desk iStock martin-dm

Adaptability, ergonomics and wellbeing: building blocks for the workplace in 2025

Employee expectations around the nature and organisation of office, home and hybrid working have changed significantly in recent years, making it more important than ever for employers to rethink and update their approaches to flexible working, ergonomics and workplace design, to better support employee wellbeing, motivation and job satisfaction.

By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics and Alex Reffell, Osmond Inclusive Wellbeing Services on 04 February 2025

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Homeworking Setup iStock martin-dm

Supporting wellbeing when working from home: some key tips

By Nigel Oseland, Workplace Unlimited on 31 January 2025

Worker in Office with Plants iStock Georgijevic

A green and bright workplace: how biophilic design boosts employee wellbeing

By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 31 January 2025

Prosecutions

Steeple HSE

Building firm with ‘outdated’ attitude to safety fined after steeplejack fell to his death while restoring church

A construction company has been fined £60,000 after a worker fell to his death while carrying out restoration work on a 60-metre tall church steeple.

By Kerry Reals on 21 January 2025

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Opinion

Liz Saville Roberts UK Parliament

Why we need stronger legal protections to protect women against violence and harassment at work

Sexual harassment still happens in the workplace. As a Member of Parliament, I am determined to use my role to improve the experiences of women in all aspects of life.

By Liz Saville Roberts MP on 03 February 2025

Happy Office workers iStock fizkes
Retail Violence iStock Jiggo_thekop

Violence against retail workers: a growing workplace crisis

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 31 January 2025

Woman Working From Home iStock Prathan Chorruangsak
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