BRC survey reveals human cost of retail crime

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Title – BRC survey reveals human cost of retail crime
Source – British Retail Consortium
Date – 30th October 2007

Retail crime is on the increase, but more alarmingly acts of violence and abuse against retail staff are on the increase, as the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) prove and these are just the reported figures. Every retailer knows that the actual figures are undoubtedly much higher as many retailers simply don’t have the time or confidence in the system to report all acts of violence, aggression and abuse they face. Sadly some even accept it as a natural part of their working environment, which is a step too far.

With over half a million reports last year alone, even these official figures equate to nearly 10,000 incidents of abuse or violence in these workplaces every week, a figure that when taken in conjunction with the many more unreported incidents, is truly frightening.

The BRC suggest that a different attitude and approach needs to be taken by the authorities, police and courts towards those criminals that prey in the retail environment and this is certainly the case. However as that campaign moves forwards, all employers also need to be looking at better ways of protecting their own staff from such incidents, in their own workplace.

We offer Conflict Management and Resolution Courses designed specifically for the environment in which your staff are employed. We carry out a Training Needs Analysis prior to the course to address the root of the problems employees are facing and then deliver courses that are relevant to their every day needs. Our courses can help to reduce the levels of violence and aggression faced by your staff through good practice; this in turn can reduce the stress levels of your employees and can reduce overall staff costs through the resulting reduction of absenteeism and stress related sickness. For high risk environments we can also provide Physical Intervention Courses that teach low impact personal safety techniques, these allow individuals to escape potential physical violence, without the need to use strength or force.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk

Home office plans undercover police ‘spies’ in pubs

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Title – Home office plans undercover police ‘spies’ in pubs
Source – Guardian Unlimited
Date – 7th October 2007

An industry in outrage over 'spies' being planted to try and catch people out, but surely not an industry that didn’t see these kinds of steps coming. One of the most fundamental changes in the Licensing Act 2003 that will have a significant long term effect, is that the reins were taken from magistrates and handed to local authorities. This move in effect politicised licensing policy more then ever and pushed alcohol related anti-social behaviour, if not to the top of the political agenda, then close to it.

Many within the industry are still unaware of the sensitivity of the subject and the potential that one or two high profile incidents could be the excuse that the government is looking for to throw more regulation and costs the industries way. Those working within it have to start acting now.

If you run a licensed retail premises of any kind ask your cashiers, waiting staff or bar staff what the fine is for serving someone who is drunk? The vast majority will look blankly at you when you tell them it is an £80 fine. Ask them who is responsible for paying the fine and watch as their jaws drop when you tell them, it is them personally. Now consider that you have employed these individuals and not provided them with the appropriate training to understand their legal responsibilities and the consequences of breaking the law; how long will it be before they start turning round and blaming the employer?

Any employer working within the licensed retail sector has a responsibility to ensure that staff receive adequate training in their different areas of responsibility, training can no longer be restricted to how to pour a good pint and where the crisps are stored.

We provide a comprehensive portfolio of BIIAB accredited licensed retail sector courses including the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR), National Certificate for Personal License Holders (NCPLH), National Certificate for Designated Premises Supervisors (NCDPS), National Licensees Certificate - Drugs Awareness (NCLDA), Professional Barpersons Qualification (PBQ) as well as the Award in Conflict Management (ACM). We can also help you with consultancy projects that can examine your business and help you become more profitable. We examine those systems in place that require change and strengthen those that may have slipped. Many managers end up being so close to their businesses that they simply can’t see the problems staring them in the face, we can all identify with that situation; but the brave ones ask for help to see them and realise the rewards.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk

Dog collar clergy at risk of attack

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Title – Dog collar clergy at risk of attack
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 7th October 2007

For most people in society a minister from any religious background would be considered a pillar of the community, we would expect such a vivid symbol as a dog collar to afford protection from abuse, aggression and attack, but sadly some elements within our society seem to no longer have any values at all.

If violence in the workplace generally remains under reported, it is a certainty that violence and aggression towards religious ministers is certainly under reported, so we can expect the actual figures to be much higher then this report suggests. It also only concentrates on the Christian church, in today’s society we can expect that violence towards other religions leaders to sadly be potentially even higher.

By their very nature, religious ministers from every religion believe in compassion, forgiveness and understanding, three qualities which themselves should provide protection from violence, but clearly this is not always the case.

We believe that the fundamentals of our Conflict Management and Resolution course and our low impact Personal Safety Training provide effective skills for individuals from a wide spectrum of work backgrounds. Our targeted training courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.
Religious beliefs are in the most part thousands of years old and the way they are taught and practised has often not changed at the same pace as society has eroded. With our expertise we can provide you with skills and perspective that don’t require compromise of beliefs to be effective, but can provide effective measures to reduce abuse and violence in any workplace.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk