We’re backing #ShopKind

We know that it’s been a tough year for many of our members working as key workers keeping us in essential groceries, supporting bereaved families and keeping us connected. The last thing you need is to receive abuse or violence at work. Yet sadly, in the last year 40,000 shopworkers were victims of violence, according to a report from the Association of Convenience Stores.

The report details how 89% of colleagues working in local shops have experienced some form of abuse, with over 1.2million incidents recorded over the last year alone.

That’s why we’re backing the #ShopKind campaign, launched in a bid to curb the rise in violence and abuse against shop staff that has been seen during the pandemic.  The campaign highlights shopworkers’ essential role in supporting people during these difficult times and emphasises that we should all treat workers and other customers with respect, kindness and gratitude.

Over 100 retailers, local authorities and police representatives are supporting the campaign – as well as several of our own member partner organisations including The Co-op and USDAW – and we’re adding our backing too.

You can find out more about the campaign here