// Retail violence has surged in the UK as the BRC calls on MPs to protect shop workers
// The new session of parliament and the resulting Private Members’ Bill ballot provides an opportunity to introduce stronger penalties for offenders
Retail violence has surged as 115 retail workers are attacked every day, according to new research.
Retailers have been forced to spend over £1 billion on crime prevention in the past year alone.
The BRC has called on MPs to protect shop workers and deter criminals by bringing forth new proposals.
READ MORE: 85,000 retail jobs axed in the past year
The new session of parliament and the resulting Private Members’ Bill ballot provides an opportunity to introduce stronger penalties for offenders attacking shop workers and would review the sentencing guidelines for assault.
“Violence against shop workers is one of the biggest concerns for retailers, with a shocking 115 attacks every day,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“Despite record spending of nearly £1 billion on crime prevention, incidents are still on the rise. We call for a specific criminal offence to protect retail employees from attacks at work, as it has been done for emergency workers. It is unacceptable for anyone to go to work fearing threats and violence.”
Labour MP David Hanson said: “Retail crime is a public policy crisis of epic proportions. Critical action is needed to protect our hard-working shop workers from violence in the workplace.
“I receive many shocking accounts from retail workers on an all-to-regular basis about daily attacks. Current measures in place are insufficient and new measures need to be introduced following recent government consultation,” he said.
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