Scotland’s Recorded Crime figures showed that violence against shop workers continues to increase, rising to 2,870 Common or Serious Assaults of Retail Workers, an increase of over 300 incidents.
In garden centres too, reports of threats to staff or at worst assault are increasingly prevalent. A 2024 HTA produced report on how to reduce opportunistic crime indicated that customer abuse towards staff is prevalent affecting 40% of garden centres, albeit they say on a minor scale.
Backed by the Home Office and supported by major high street retailers as well as the nation’s independent shopkeepers, and the shopworkers union USDAW, the ShopKind Week (30th of June – 6th of July) aims to change that by promoting a world where everyone is able to enjoy shopping safely; and help to support the vibrancy of retail destinations across Scotland.
“Scotland’s 230,000 shop workers go above and beyond every day to look after customers to keep stores stocked and serve our customers. It is appalling that seven colleagues a day are facing assault, with innumerable others the victims of wider abuse. The SRC is calling on Scotland’s customers to bring some well-deserved kindness and consideration this ShopKind week. It would be fantastic if we could change the narrative and move to an environment where shop workers could feel safe in stores rather than fearing the next confrontation. Shop worker abuse is not inevitable, and whilst there is a role for businesses and the police, it is everyone’s responsibility to behave with thoughtfulness when shopping,” explained, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head, Scottish Retail Consortium:
Tony Doonan, Scottish Regional Secretary, USDAW added: “We fully support the SRC in its plea to the public to show courtesy and respect to shopworkers in what is a growing issue of violence and abuse that shopworkers face when carrying out their role. No one should have to experience threats of violence or intimidation in the workplace””
