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
Mayor pledges 12-month safety overhaul after “appalling” bus driver report
By Belinda Liversedge on 27 March 2026
London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he is “appalled” by an ITV investigation revealing that nearly one in five bus drivers has fallen asleep at the wheel.
Government pledges £70m to boost Registered Building Inspector workforce
By Belinda Liversedge on 26 March 2026
Up to 700 new Registered Building Inspectors will be trained to inspect high risk buildings thanks to £70 million in funding announced today by the government.
Safety fears could be stifling productivity, as half of lone workers avoid tasks due to risk
By Belinda Liversedge on 23 March 2026
Lone workers who avoid visits or shorten their work due to feeling unsafe could be affecting service delivery, productivity and quality of work, a provider has warned after releasing results of its survey.