Motorola Solutions has published a report (with YouGov) on retail worker safety in the UK. It found that retail workers are fearing for their safety in the run up to the busy holiday shopping season, driving one in four to consider quitting their job. A third of retail workers have also witnessed an organised retail crime ring in the last 12 months, with one in four claiming these incidents are on the rise. The report uncovers which technology-led solutions would help workers feel safer, with a clear majority believing that their employers could and should be doing more.
The survey of over 1,000 retail workers is particularly timely given growing attention to the issue and, in particular, Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention Dame Diana Johnson’s speech today on the Government’s pledge to bring in a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker.
Commenting on the report, Vivienne Francis, vice president, Chanel Sales EMEA at Motorola Solutions, said: “No one should feel unsafe at work, but our survey reveals retail workers’ concerns for their own safety and the safety of shoppers. The concerns are amplified as we head into the holiday season, when shops are busier, stay open later and may be understaffed. The need for enhanced security is more pressing than ever to help deter theft, de-escalate hostile customer interactions and simultaneously notify everyone, including 9-9-9, in emergencies.”
Key findings:
Retail crime is on the rise
- Half of retail workers said they experienced hostile customer interactions in the last 12 months
- 31% say they have encountered organised crime rings in the past 12 months, with 1 in 4 saying the problem is getting worse
Increased safety concerns ahead of festive shopping season
- Four in 10 said they are concerned for their personal safety ahead of the holiday rush, particularly as stores extend their opening hours
- Of workers who cover both day and evening shifts, almost half feel less safe after the sun goes down
- That number increases to 54% for women on staff
Technology can boost feelings of safety
- When asked which technologies would help workers feel safer at work, the top five responses were: a wearable/mounted panic button; body-worn cameras; video security cameras; access control systems to lock doors; and alarm systems
Body cameras are an emerging retail safety tool
- 70% of shop workers believe that body cameras are effective in de-escalating dangerous or hostile solutions
- Retail staff said they can help stores to better understand incidents (58%) and support investigations (64%)
