Workers in Bristol’s retail sector are increasingly subjected to violence and abuse on the job, with one supermarket employee stating that someone could “die” if security is ever again removed.
James Cox, an employee at a Tesco Express on Gloucester Road in Bristol, stated that he was threatened with a knife and that the shop has been the target of numerous incidents involving public violence. He claimed he had been “constantly terrified” and took a leave of absence from work as a result.
Between December 2022 and February 2023, the store’s security guard was absent, leaving employees exposed and feeling unsafe. Mr. Cox expressed concern for his own safety and that of his coworkers, some of whom have already been subjected to customer abuse.
A spokesperson for Tesco PLC stated that the safety of their employees was their “number one priority.” The Avon and Somerset Police stated that they are aware of the incidents and have made arrests in relation to their ongoing investigations.
According to Graham Wynn, assistant director of the British Retail Consortium, these incidents have been on the rise for years and are frequently underreported. He stated that there was evidence to suggest possible links between aggressive shoplifting and organised crime and that retail employees must be “valued, respected, and protected.”
Bristol retail workers are experiencing an alarming increase in violent and abusive incidents on the job, with one worker expressing concern that “someone could die” if security was ever removed again. James Cox, an employee at the Tesco Express on Gloucester Road, reported being threatened with a knife and witnessing other coworkers being verbally abused by customers. A spokesperson for Tesco PLC stated that the safety of their employees was their “number one priority,” and Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that arrests had been made in relation to ongoing investigations into the incidents.
Graham Wynn, assistant director of the British Retail Consortium, stated that aggressive shoplifting was frequently underreported, but that there was evidence to suggest possible links to organised crime. He emphasised the importance of valuing and protecting retail employees, noting that they are a vital part of our communities.
