In the first six months of 2023, Co-op stores across the country reported an average of over 1,000 incidents a day of retail crime. That represents an increase of 35% on the previous year. In our Heart of England Co-op food stores we are experiencing retail crime daily and our colleagues are constantly at threat. This is unacceptable and we want to take action, but we need your help.

We need to take urgent action to keep our shopworkers and communities safe. That’s why we’re calling on MPs to support an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would make it a specific offence to assault a shopworker.

We ask shopworkers to enforce the law, restricting the sale of items such as alcohol and knives. It’s enforcing these restrictions that often prove the flashpoint for violence and abuse. If Parliament asks shopworkers to enforce the law, they should provide them with necessary protections under the law.

The amendment to the bill could turn the tide and give all shopworkers the legal protection they deserve.

If you want to help us, please click here to send a letter to your MP. The letter is already drafted and it only takes a minute to enter your details and submit.