Marks & Spencer has become the first major UK grocer to publicly support the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, which aims to tackle abuse, aggression and intimidation towards retail workers.
The campaign encourages shoppers to show courtesy, kindness and respect to the people working across Britain’s high streets, stores and shopping centres.
Thinus Keeve, Retail Director at M&S, said:
“Our colleagues are at the heart of M&S and every one of them deserves to feel safe, respected and valued when they come to work. While the vast majority of customer interactions are positive, abuse should never be accepted as part of the job. That’s why we’re proud to become the first major UK grocer to support the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign.”
Hundreds of retailers have backed the campaign, and the Retail Trust will be once again calling on shoppers to act respectfully in the run up to Christmas after major digital screens including Piccadilly Lights, at Heathrow Airport and in shopping centres displayed this message last year.
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive of the Retail Trust, said:
“We’re proud to be working with M&S to bring an end to unacceptable behaviour on British high streets and to provide thousands of retail workers with the support they need to protect their wellbeing.
“M&S’s commitment to Let’s Respect Retail sends out a powerful message that no one should face intimidation, abuse or violence at work and shows how retailers can create safer and more respectful shopping environments by taking meaningful action to support their staff.
“Let’s Respect Retail reminds us all that we have a role to play in creating better shopping experiences for everyone. Even the simplest acts of looking up, sharing a greeting and saying thank you can make a huge difference for people who are experiencing daily hostility.”
Through the partnership, M&S’s 65,000 colleagues can access specialist support following incidents of abuse, intimidation or other challenging customer interactions. This includes practical resources, a confidential 24-hour helpline and additional support where required.
The retailer is also continuing to invest in security measures and work with policing partners to tackle retail crime, while supporting colleagues before, during and after challenging incidents. It is among the major high-street businesses already using crime-reporting technology designed to help police identify offenders and secure stronger outcomes.
