Obviously one of the main reasons retailers use security is to reduce shrinkage due to shoplifting. However, there is another important role for security to play which is that of staff safety.

Research suggests that every minute of the working day a UK shopworker is either verbally or physically abused or threatened with violence. According to the Grocer, the constant threat of crime can affect your staff’s morale, reducing productivity and resulting in a high turnover of staff. The constant worry can also affect the health of staff.

Doug Russell, health and safety officer at the shopworker’s union USDAW, points out that, "Retailers have a duty of care to do what's reasonably responsible to ensure that employees are safe in the workplace." There is also a culture of under reporting of crime in the industry, which Russell says needs to be addressed. He says, "A lot of staff members don't want to speak up if they feel that an area is vulnerable as they don't want to be branded as troublemakers."

The Grocer recommends a zero tolerance approach where no abuse of staff is tolerated, staff are encouraged to report all incidents and are consulted on security.

The Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman, says, "The risks of not providing a culture of security for retail staff include poor customer service, high staff turnover and high absenteeism. If staff have not been consulted on their security you cannot expect them to perform to the best of their ability."

Unfortunately the article in the Grocer doesn’t cover what we consider to be the number one deterrent to abuse of staff, which is to have a security guard present. Whilst there are obviously costs involved in using retail security guards, these need to be weighed up against the need to secure the safety of your staff.

If you wish to discuss using retail security guards, please call us.