Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
First Report - Violence and abuse towards retail workers
Home Affairs Committee
HC 141
Published 29 June 2021
Recommendations
10
Accepted in Part
Para 70
Police forces inadequately record data on assaults against shopworkers and retail crime.
Recommendation
We welcome the Government’s work to provide better guidance and support for retail workers on reporting retail crime. However, it is deeply disappointing that the main thrust of the Government’s response to shopworkers, who have lost confidence in the police …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees that incidents must be reported and acknowledges current data under-reporting. It commits to working with the National Business Crime Centre to consider options for adding more granularity to crime recording, but notes consultation will be needed to assess the administrative burden on police forces.
Home Office
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23
Accepted in Part
Set out clear government guidance for employers on supporting retail workers and mitigating crime risks.
Recommendation
We welcome the Government’s creation of downloadable digital assets for the #ShopKind campaign which we hope will raise awareness amongst the public about retail crime and its impact on shop workers. However, we think this action completely fails to address …
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Government Response Summary
The government highlights ongoing support for victims through NRCSG resources and future work with restorative justice charities. It commits the Home Office and NRCSG to review existing resources and consult on the creation of an Employers Charter, in conjunction with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, to provide additional advice, training, and support for victims and employers.
Home Office
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Conclusions (2)
4
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 29
There are several factors driving the increase in violence and abuse towards retail workers over the last 5 years. However, the primary factor appears to be increasing levels of acquisitive theft which are linked to both organised crime and prolific offenders with substance addiction problems. By comparison, conflict over the …
Government Response Summary
The government is committed to tackling drug misuse, which drives acquisitive crime, referencing Dame Carol Black’s review. It details £80m investment in drug treatment and recovery for 2021-22, additional funding for rough sleepers, extension of the Individual Placement and Support programme, and expansion of Project ADDER to address drug dependency and prevent related offending.
22
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 106
Employers have a duty of care and play a vital role in ensuring their employees have the confidence to report incidents, and the appropriate support to deal with difficult situations. Evidence from our public survey, and the Government’s 2019 call for evidence, suggests that many retail workers are not getting …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing support for victims through NRCSG resources, including webinars and case studies, and ongoing work with restorative justice charities. It also commits the Home Office and NRCSG to review current resources and consult on creating an Employers Charter to enhance advice, training, and support for victims and employers.