Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan demonstrated his support for Respect for Shopworkers Week when he visited the Co-op store in Albert Road, Southsea on 16 November.
During his visit to the store on Albert Road, Mr Morgan discussed local community safety issues with store staff and heard about the Co-op’s operational programme to help tackle crime.
As part of its commitment to colleague safety and community well-being, the Co-op is backing the shopworkers’ union USDAW’s campaign and the Respect for Shopworkers Week.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“From my work on the Offensive Weapons Bill Committee I already know shop workers face an unprecedented level of threat from violent incidents as each day across the UK six are threatened with a knife and two with a gun.
Recent figures show that across the country violent, weaponised crimes is on the rise with a 16% increase in incidents involving knives.
Products can be replaced and stores repaired, but violent crime in shops often has a shocking, and lasting, impact on those working at the frontline.
That is why I am backing this important national initiative and campaigning for it in Portsmouth as we must all do everything we can to help reduce these attacks.”
Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns at the Co-op, said:
“Retail crime is often considered to be victimless as people think it only involves a faceless business losing stock or money. However, it is not the shop that is left bruised, bleeding or traumatised. This type of crime has nothing to do with profit and everything to do with people.
“In the months ahead, we’ll be looking to work with local community groups and other neighbourhood leaders who are engaged in tackling the root causes of crime, to see if we can identify mutual solutions to shared concerns.”
