Tesco boss calls for change in law after rise in abuse of staff

The grocery store franchise has provided wearable cameras to employees who require them due to a rise in incidents of physical attacks.

The top executive of Tesco, Ken Murphy, has urged for a modification in legislation that would make it illegal to mistreat or harm retail employees throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom.

In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Mr. Murphy disclosed that the grocery store company has provided wearable cameras to employees who require them in response to a 33% increase in physical attacks over the course of one year.

According to him, Tesco has dedicated a total of £44 million over the span of four years to enhance security measures. This investment includes the installation of door access systems, protection screens, digital radios, and of course, security cameras. However, he emphasized the need for additional actions to be taken against criminals.

These individuals form a minority group, yet they exert an outsize influence.

Declaring that it's about time we stop this issue, he characterized the increase in occurrences as "unacceptable" and the effect on employees as "heart-wrenching."

"Magistrates ought to exercise this authority. However, it is imperative to take additional steps, similar to Scotland's approach, and establish a distinct criminal offense for mistreatment or physical harm inflicted upon employees in the retail sector."

Additionally, he urged for improved connections with law enforcement agencies and advocated for businesses to be granted access to information regarding the progress of a case if a crime is committed on their premises.

"He expressed that it would assist us in identifying patterns and offering reassurance that justice is being served."

"Gangs exploit the lack of sufficient information sharing. Collaborating is our only pathway to thwarting these delinquents."