Retail Under Siege: Why Retail Workers Need Protection Now More Than Ever

I have noticed in recent years, the prevalence of violence against retail workers has become an alarming concern. Our retail workers face increasing risks of verbal abuse, physical assaults, and even life-threatening attacks while simply doing their jobs. These workers, who are essential to keeping our shops and stores running and providing services to us, often find themselves at the receiving end of customer disturbances, theft-related violence, and even targeted attacks. I believe current protections for retail workers are inadequate, leaving them vulnerable to risks of harm, especially those in high crime rate areas.

I think this raises an essential question: Should some retail workers be provided with body armour (stab vests) or other protective clothing (PPE) to help ensure their safety?

Whilst the idea may seem extreme or ludicrous to some, the rise in assaults against retail workers suggest that stronger safety measures are not just warranted but absolutely necessary.

There is a Growing Threat to Retail Workers

Retail workers are among the most exposed of frontline employees, yet they often lack the protections afforded to other professions who are also in close proximity to the public. According to various reports, incidents of violence in retail settings have increased dramatically in recent years. A shocking figure I obtained from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), reported there were 1,306 incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers per day in 2022/23. This was also reported as a 50% increase from the previous year.

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), the UK’s 5^th biggest trade union, reported statistics from their 2023 annual survey of over 5,500 shop workers, that 18% of them had been assaulted. They also reported that 70% of these incidents were triggered by shoplifting and two-thirds of those were linked to addiction. The below graph obtained from the USDAW 2023 report shows the startling rise in assaults on shop workers.

Physical assaults included being spat at or coughed at, being punched or kicked and attacks with weapons, most commonly knives or needles.

Several factors I think contribute to this disturbing trend include:

• The rise of shoplifting-related violence – Many retailers have noted a spike in aggressive behaviour from shoplifters. In some cases, offenders resort to physical violence when confronted by staff trying to prevent them from stealing.
• Customer frustrations and entitlement – The pressure of long queues, stock shortages, or return policy disputes can lead to customers lashing out at employees who are simply following store policies.
• Substance abuse and mental health issues – Some attacks come from individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol or those suffering from untreated mental health conditions.
• Late-night shifts and cash handling – Workers in local smaller stores or garages are particularly at risk, especially in areas where robberies are more prevalent.

I think the increasing number of attacks suggest that current security measures such as CCTV, panic buttons, and even store security guards are not always good enough to deter violence and assaults. I believe it is crucial that additional protective strategies to safeguard our retail workers well-being and safety are explored. Especially in high-risk areas and locations where assaults and violence have been widespread.

Should They Be Issued Protective Clothing or Body Armour?

When discussing protective measures, one of the most debated ideas is whether retail workers should be issued body armour or other protective clothing. In certain high-risk industries such as security and law enforcement, personal protective equipment (PPE) is standard issue.

If retail workers are facing similar threats, should they not receive the same level of protection?

At PPSS Group we’ve had many enquiries from retailers, and are even in talks with some major retailers who are looking to deploy some of our products amongst their staff who are most at risk and in high-risk locations where there’s previously been violence and assaults. One retailer even looked at lining certain parts of their uniform with our Cut-Tex® PRO slash and cut resistant fabric, however, they chose to purchase wearable CCTV units instead. Whilst CCTV is great for providing evidence and securing convictions. However, at the moment of an assault or attack taking place, it won’t do much to protect the worker from injuries.

Benefits of Protective Clothing or Body Armour for Retail Staff

• Enhanced Safety – Protective clothing, such as stab-resistant vests, can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of an attack. Especially stab vests like ours that also provide certified protection from blunt force trauma. This is particularly relevant for workers in locations with high crime rates.
• Increased Confidence – Knowing that they are protected can provide employees with greater confidence and peace of mind while performing their duties.
• Employer Responsibility – Providing protective gear demonstrates an employer’s commitment to worker safety, potentially reducing liability in cases of workplace violence.

Potential Concerns

While issuing protective clothing to retail workers may seem like a logical step, there are challenges and concerns associated with this approach:

• Cost Implications – Outfitting every retail worker with protective gear could be expensive, particularly for small businesses that may struggle to afford such measures. However, I believe not all staff will need body armour or other PPE, a competent person should carry out a risk assessment and provide evidence of where body armour and other items of protective clothing would be best deployed.
• Comfort and Practicality – Wearing body armour for long shifts may be uncomfortable and impractical, especially in retail environments where mobility and customer interaction are key.
• Workplace Atmosphere – The presence of body armour could create an unsettling environment for customers, potentially making stores feel more like high-risk zones than shopping spaces. In regard to the last two points, our covert body armour for example, weighs less than 2kg and can be worn discreetly under other items of clothing for longer periods.

What Should We Do

While body armour and other protective clothing like our SlashPRO® range could be an option for particularly high-risk retail settings, other approaches would be to implement a range of safety measures to protect workers from violence and assaults. I would recommend:

• Legal Protections – I believe that the Government and businesses should push for stricter penalties for assaults on retail workers, like the protections afforded to emergency service workers.
• Training – Staff should be offered training in de-escalation techniques like what Police and security personnel receive, to help them handle aggressive customers safely and effectively.
• Store Security – Increasing the presence of security guards, CCTV and signage, panic alarms, and better store layouts that minimise opportunities for violence can make a significant difference.
• Zero-Tolerance Policies – Employers must enforce strict policies against abusive behaviour and support staff fully in reporting incidents of assault to the Police and the authorities.
• Community Awareness – I think in educating the public and our children at an early age we can help change attitudes towards retail workers and reinforce the importance of treating them with respect and dignity.
• Police Support – Increase policing and the £200 threshold for Police to investigate and prosecute shoplifters.

I think the safety of retail workers should be a priority for businesses, governments, and society. The increasing levels of violence against these essential employees highlight the urgent need for stronger protections. While issuing body armour may not be a universal solution, it should be seriously considered in high-risk retail environments. At the very least, I believe retail workers deserve comprehensive safety measures, legal protections, and employer support to ensure their well-being.

Retail workers play a crucial role in our daily lives, ensuring their safety is not just a business concern but a moral obligation. I think it is time to take meaningful action to protect those better who serve our communities.

About the Author

Richard Fox is the Director of Operations at PPSS Group, a UK and US registered company specialising in high-performance body armour and protective clothing. With a military background, Richard brings over three decades of experience to his role. At PPSS Group, he oversees global operations, HR, quality assurance, and compliance. Richard is committed to advancing personal safety solutions for frontline professionals and individuals at risk from workplace violence, ensuring they have access to the most effective protective gear available.