Tesco workers rally to tackle in-store violence

A petition set up by a Tesco PLC (LON:TSCO) worker urging the government to make any form of violence or abuse against retail workers a distinct criminal offence has garnered over 12,500 signatures.

It is mandatory for the government to provide an official response to any petition which receives more than 10,000 signatures, and those that reach 100,000 must be discussed in Parliament.

Tesco’s UK chief executive officer Jason Tarry has supported the petition, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety of retail employees.

In a statement online he said: “Creating a standalone offence not only sends a strong message to the small but violent group of people who abuse and attack shopworkers but also makes it clear to shopworkers that as a nation we take protecting them seriously.”

Jenny Whyte, a Tesco employee at a convenience store from the North of England, launched the petition after she claimed incidents had got worse over the last few years, adding that she witnessed some “truly shocking” incidents involving workers.

Britain’s largest supermarket has taken several proactive steps to address the surge in abuse against its employees, including implementing body cameras and enhanced safety screens at convenience stores and petrol forecourts.

Tesco reported a 33% increase in violent incidents involving staff year on year and a spike in issues appears to have risen alongside a jump in shoplifting.

Last week, Home Bargains said it would pay members of the public £500 for any information on a crime or theft which had occurred in its shop.