THE NFSP SUPPORTS #ShopKind

The NFSP proudly supports #ShopKind, a national campaign that aims to tackle the verbal abuse received by shopworkers every day. The campaign is backed by the Home Office and supported by the UK's largest retailers across the high street, including Next and Co-Op.

Abuse towards shopworkers is a bigger issue in the UK than some people may think and unfortunately the pandemic has only magnified this issue. Two-thirds of retailers have experienced Covid-related threats, most commonly after asking customers to wear a face covering. According to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), there have been over 1.2 million incidents of verbal abuse, and around 40,000 incidents of violence against people working in small shops in the past year alone.
 
The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role in supporting people during the pandemic and emphasises that we should all treat workers and other customers with respect and kindness.  

Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s Director of Campaigns and Public Affairs, said: “No one should have to face violence and abuse just for doing their job, and nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of shopworkers who work tirelessly within communities – they deserve thanks, not abuse, threats and violence. They also deserve for the law to better protect them as they go about their daily working lives."

Robert Clack, NFSP Retail Director said: “Subpostmasters have continued to work at the forefront of retail throughout the pandemic and have been a lifeline for many communities across the country.

"Whilst the vast majority of shopping trips to our stores are trouble-free, others are unfortunately not, which is why the NFSP is supporting the #ShopKind campaign. There is no place in retail for abuse and violence and we stand together with the retail community.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe at work. This is a reminder to customers to consider their behaviour towards shop staff and we would encourage all subpostmasters to fully support the scheme.”

Support the #ShopKind campaign by downloading FREE posters, social media content and a host of other materials, HERE.

If you experience abuse or violence in your post office, please report this to the police via 999 for emergencies incidents and for non-emergencies call 101.

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