Respect for Shopworkers Week is part of Usdaw’s ongoing Freedom From Fear campaign, which has been running since 2002. The campaign raises awareness of the growing problem of abuse, threats, and violence faced by retail workers across the UK and encourages everyone to treat shopworkers with respect.

Recent figures from Usdaw show a worrying rise in incidents, with violent attacks against retail staff having doubled since 2022. Many of these incidents go unreported, meaning the true scale of the problem is likely even higher.

Independent retailers have also been hit hard by rising levels of retail crime. According to the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), shoplifting incidents increased by 13% in the past year, with small and independent businesses bearing the brunt of this crime wave.

During the week, retailers and staff are encouraged to take part by:

  • Talking to colleagues about the Freedom From Fear campaign and the importance of reporting all incidents of abuse or violence.
  • Encouraging staff to complete Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear survey to share their experiences.
  • Hosting simple awareness activities in the workplace, such as information stalls or discussions, to promote respect and support for shopworkers.


For more information, visit Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week page via the link below.
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Read Bira’s latest findings on retail crime: Shoplifting soars 13% as independent retailers bear the brunt of retail crime crisis

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