Real estate company Landsec has joined forces with charity the Retail Trust to fight retail staff abuse.

The organisations are working together to offer free de-escalation and wellbeing training for workers before the Christmas shopping season.

Via the Retail Trust’s “Let’s Respect Retail” campaign, the companies are launching practical training for the more than 13,500 retail workers across the real estate firm’s four major shopping locations – Trinity Leeds, White Rose, Westgate Oxford and Southside.

The training will focus on providing workers with the confidence and tools to manage “challenging interactions and recover after difficult moments on the shop floor”.

It comes as research published by the Retail Trust found that more than 77% of shop workers had faced intimidating behaviour, and 23% had been physically assaulted during the last year.

In addition, 43% of retail workers reported being physically attacked or abused by shoppers every week.

Landsec managing director for retail Bruce Findlay said: “Retail workers are the heartbeat of our industry, keeping shops, restaurants and experiences running day in, day out. 

“Yet too many face hostility – simply for doing their jobs. With a leading retail platform that spans the UK, we have a responsibility to support the thousands who work in our centres and contribute so much, both to their local communities and the success of our places. 

“This campaign is about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.”

Retail Trust CEO Chris Brook-Carter added: “Thoughtless, unkind and aggressive behaviour has become “part of the job” for too many shop workers today. 

“We want to teach hundreds of people working at Landsec shopping destinations how to safely de-escalate these abusive situations and prioritise their mental health and recovery.

“Our campaign is also calling on everyone to restore respect to the high street this Christmas, starting with acts as simple as a thank you, a greeting, and a smile. 

“We know that the smallest acts of recognition still make a huge difference to people who are facing daily hostility at work and the smiles appearing on Piccadilly Lights represent this call for dignity and decency.”

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