The government is calling for evidence to help understand what more can be done to protect shop workers from violence and abuse.
News
Minister for crime pledges retail safety
By
on 01 April 2019
The National Retail Crime Steering Group met on 12 February to take plans forward after Home Office figures showed assaults to retail staff have more than doubled in a year.
Retail workers suffered around 510,000 assaults and threats in 2017, up from 203,000 incidents in 2016.
Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins, said: “I have every sympathy for retail staff who have been the victims of these appalling acts just for doing their jobs.”
The call for evidence is intended to help strengthen the evidence base on how to protect retail workers from abuse, and to look at all options for addressing these crimes.
The Home Office has pledged £50,000 of funding for a sector-led communications campaign to raise awareness of violence in shops.
NEWS
British Safety Council calls on UK Government to ban silica-containing materials
By British Safety Council on 20 August 2026
British Safety Council has called on the UK Government to ban the import and export of high-silica products within the next five years to protect workers from the risks associated with high-concentration silica containing materials.
Mates in Mind launches free suicide prevention training for construction workers
By Thomas Tevlin on 13 August 2026
Mental health at work charity Mates in Mind has launched new digital training aimed at increasing awareness and reducing suicide amongst sole traders and self-employed construction workers ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
Hidden Hazards. Recognise Risks. Protect Lives
By British Safety Council on 30 July 2026
British Safety Council launches new flagship campaign to shine a light on hidden hazards in the workplace.