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