Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Nisa welcomes bill for protection of shopworkers

Nisa welcomes bill for protection of shopworkers
Nisa managing director Peter Batt

Nisa has welcomed proposals in the Kings’ Speech to introduce a bill to protect retail workers against abuse and assault.

The Kings’ Speech is the first major opportunity for the new Labour government to set out its legislative agenda for the coming year. As widely predicted, the government said it intends to introduce a separate offence for assaulting a retail worker in its Crime & Policing Bill.


Welcoming the proposals, Peter Batt, Nisa MD said, It's encouraging to see the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers, especially after much campaigning from industry. However, it is crucial that independent retailers are included in these protections and are able to share in the additional police resourcing.

"The 2024 ACS Crime Report revealed 87 per cent of colleagues in convenience stores, many of which are independently owned, faced verbal abuse, including around 76,000 violent incidents against retail staff. Independent shops play a vital role on our high streets and deserve the same protection and support.

"We must ensure that all retail workers, including those in independent stores, feel safe and protected. Let's not leave them behind.”

Benedict Selvaratnam 2 1 1 editedRetailer Benedict Selvaratnam

Nisa retailer Ben Selvaratnam, owner of Freshfields Market in Croydon said, As an Independent store owner, I've witnessed firsthand the significant rise in retail crime, which has become an almost daily challenge for us. We face between three to ten theft attempts daily, which not only strains our finances but also impact the wellbeing of our staff and the overall community atmosphere.

"This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction. The rise in assaults and abuse towards retail workers is alarming and unacceptable. For small, independent retailers such as myself, the lack of adequate protection and response from authorities has been a persistent issue.

"Implementing standalone laws to make assaulting retail workers a crime will hopefully serve as a strong deterrent and provide the necessary legal framework to ensure offenders are appropriately penalised.”

Read more here.

More for you

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre addressing UK high street challenges

Revive UK high streets ahead of the Spring budget.

(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Independent retailers body calls for support ahead of Spring budget

A leading retail association representing thousands of independent businesses across the UK has outlined its key priorities ahead of the Chancellor's Spring budget statement.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address three crucial areas to support independent retailers and revitalise high streets across the UK.

Goodacre said, "While we understand this Spring statement may not introduce major tax changes, we believe there are vital areas where the Government must demonstrate its commitment to the future of British high streets."

For the upcoming Spring budget on March 26, Goodacre has outlined three key priorities.

He said: "We need to see continued investment for town centres and high streets across the country to maintain momentum in regeneration efforts.

"The Government must also ensure that policing is fully funded to properly address retail crime, which has become increasingly concerning for our members.

Keep ReadingShow less
Surplus supermarket Company Shop installs Pricer ESLs to improve pricing and efficiency

Pricer Electronic Shelf Labels at a Company Shop store

Pricer ESLs coming to all Company Shop stores

Surplus supermarket Company Shop has partnered with Pricer, the leading in-store automation and communication solutions provider, to roll out Pricer’s in-store solution based on Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) to its entire UK store estate of supermarkets.

The partnership will enable Company Shop to optimise in-store operations and improve labour productivity, while leveraging dynamic pricing to help customers access good food at the best prices and reduce food waste.

Keep ReadingShow less
Exterior view of Butlin’s upgraded Nisa convenience store, showcasing the new Nisa Local branding

Butlin’s Invests in Nisa Stores to Enhance Guest Experience

Nisa

Holiday resort unveils on-site Nisa store

Holiday resort operator Butlin’s has revealed a significant investment in its on-site Nisa supermarkets, with a focus on improving customer experience and meeting the evolving needs of its guests.

This enhancement includes upgrades to two stores at its Skegness resort and improvements at Minehead and Bognor Regis.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cost of operating a convenience store after Autumn Budget

Autumn Budget impacts small convenience store owners.

iStock image

Retailers warned as pressure to be ramped on local shops

Convenience retailers are being advised by industry body ACS to make sure their business is ready for changes coming into force in April as a result of the Autumn Budget, which will increase costs for many, but for some of the smallest retailers may result in some savings.

The National Insurance Rate paid by employers currently stands at 13.8 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Unilever Sells The Vegetarian Butcher to Vivera

Unilever announces the sale of The Vegetarian Butcher to Vivera

Photo: iStock

Unilever to sell The Vegetarian Butcher to Vivera

Unilever has agreed to sell its The Vegetarian Butcher range to JBS-owned Vivera as part of its strategy to offload non-core brands.

The consumer goods giant acquired the plant-based food brand in 2018 from founder Jaap Korteweg. It has since delivered double-digit growth and expanded to more than 55 markets worldwide, both in retail and foodservice.

Keep ReadingShow less