#ShopKind aims to build positivity and encourage kindness to both shopworkers and consumers in stores
That’s why the NFRN is joining with some of the UK’s biggest retailers, the Home Office and independent charity Crimestoppers in a new and timely campaign urging the public to ShopKind.
Abuse and violence towards shopworkers are a bigger problem than many people might think, with at least 400 shopworkers abused every day.
The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role in supporting people during these difficult times and emphasises that we should all treat workers and other customers with respect, kindness and gratitude.
The campaign is backed by the Home Office and supported by major high street retailers as well as the nation’s independent shopkeepers, and the shopworkers Union Usdaw. Thanks to Shopkind posters, the campaign is now visible across high streets and social media.
Pledging the NFRN’s support for this important initiative, NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “Small independent retailers sit at the heart of their communities, yet they have to deal with physical and verbal threats on a near daily basis for simply doing their jobs.
“I get calls from hundreds of retailers who are crime victims and the impact on them can be devastating and long-lasting. This is not just in terms of physical injuries but on anxiety and stress too. That is why this ShopKind campaign is so important so everyone in shops can have confidence in their workplaces.”
Launching #Shopkind, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Throughout the pandemic, shop staff have been the lifeline for many in our communities, and I am grateful for their vital service.
“Violence and abuse towards shop workers is utterly despicable and unacceptable, everyone has the right to feel safe at work.
“As the daughter of shopkeepers, I fully support ShopKind, a reminder to customers to consider their behaviour towards shop staff, and I would encourage all retailers to fully support it.”
Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets Paul Scully, said: “Retail workers have played an essential role in supporting communities across the country during the pandemic and have worked tirelessly to put Covid-secure measures in place to keep us all safe.
“Staff in our great shops, pubs, hairdressers and more should be treated with the utmost respect and gratitude – after such a difficult year, we all have a duty to treat each other with kindness.”
Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of the charity Crimestoppers, said: “It’s truly shocking to think that at a time when we are all so reliant on retail workers to survive during the pandemic, that so many of them are encountering verbal and physical abuse on a daily basis.
“At a time of such national disruption due to Covid-19, shop staff should be appreciated by us all and thanked, not abused. Despite retailers’ vital role in the community, at the frontline, there are a significant minority of people who believe that being courteous and polite isn’t important. Our message today is clear – despite what is going on in anyone’s life, no shop worker deserves to be treated badly, let alone verbally or physically abused, We’re asking everyone to take a step back and think about the true value of these workers – supporting individuals, families and entire communities. So please ShopKind,
If you have any information about someone who is abusive or violent towards retail and shop staff, please let the Crimestoppers charity know 100% anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or through the untraceable Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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