M&S has announced its support for the Retail Trust’s ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign, becoming the first major UK grocer to publicly back the initiative and reinforce the message that everyone working in retail deserves to feel safe, respected and valued at work.

The Let’s Respect Retail is run by the Retail Trust to tackle abuse against shopworkers and encourage shoppers to show simple acts of courtesy, kindness and respect towards the people who serve customers and communities every day.

“Our colleagues are at the heart of M&S and every one of them deserves to feel safe, respected and valued when they come to work,” Thinus Keeve, Retail Director at M&S, commented. 

“While the vast majority of customer interactions are positive, abuse should never be accepted as part of the job. That’s why we’re proud to become the first major UK grocer to support the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign,” Keeve added.

Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Exec of the Retail, Trust said it was “proud to be working with M&S to bring an end to unacceptable behaviour on British High Streets and to provide thousands of retail workers with the support they need to protect their wellbeing.”

“M&S’s commitment to Let’s Respect Retail sends out a powerful message that no one should face intimidation, abuse or violence at work and shows how retailers can create safer and more respectful shopping environments by taking meaningful action to support their staff,” Brook-Carter added.

Hundreds of retailers have backed the campaign, and the Retail Trust will be once again calling on shoppers to act respectfully in the run up to Christmas after major digital screens, including Picadilly Lights, at Heathrow Airport and in shopping centres, displayed this message last year.

M&S’s support builds on a long-standing partnership with the Retail Trust that forms part of the retailer’s wider commitment to colleague safety and wellbeing. Alongside continued investment in security measures and collaboration with policing partners to help tackle retail crime, the business is working to ensure colleagues feel protected and supported before, during and after challenging incidents.

Through the partnership, M&S colleagues have access to the Retail Trust’s range of wellbeing services, including specialist support following incidents of abuse, intimidation or other difficult customer interactions, alongside practical resources, a confidential 24-hour helpline and additional support where needed.