Southern Co-op is one of the retailers across the country urging shoppers to #ShopKind when they visit high streets this Christmas, as new polling reveals that over one third of shoppers (38 per cent) have witnessed violence and abuse against shopworkers.
The findings come as the #ShopKind campaign urges kindness to shopworkers and customers in stores this Christmas.
Retailers, the Home Office and charity Crimestoppers are reminding customers to be kind to shopworkers and fellow customers. The latest retail industry data suggests that 450 shopworkers are abused each day and it's feared this may rise during the busy festive season.
Southern Co-op's own figures are reflective of this national data as they show that verbal abuse against its shopworkers has increased by 26 per cent year on year.
The regional, independent co-operative has more than 200 stores across the south of England which can be located here.
"Whilst there have been some improvements in crime levels, sadly, verbal abuse has increased across our 200 stores by 26 per cent over the last 12 months compared to the previous year. So, while we continue to invest in and take action to protect our colleagues, we would urge everyone to think and shop kind this Christmas."
The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers' essential role serving the public, and emphasises that workers should be treated with respect, kindness and gratitude. Over 86 per cent of shoppers recognise that shopworkers face a much higher workload during the Christmas period, but there remains a minority of people that are aggressive and, in the worst cases, physically violent towards people working in shops.
#ShopKind is supported by major high street retailers as well as the nation's independent shopkeepers and the shopworkers' union Usdaw. The ShopKind campaign is now visible across high streets and on social media.
"Our high streets play a pivotal role in our communities across the country and whilst Christmas can have its own stresses, there is absolutely no excuse for violent or abusive behaviour towards workers," said Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at charity Crimestoppers. Please help us stamp out abuse and if you know who is responsible but want to stay anonymous, tell our charity what you know. Call freephone 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org. Together, we can help protect our shops and shopworkers from harm at this busy but special time of year."
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