Iceland boss Lord Richard Walker has proposed to allow trained retail security staff to carry equipment such as truncheons and pepper spray as shop theft and violence against workers contunue to rise.
Walker, who was appointed as Government’s Cost of Living Champion earlier this year, has submitted a House of Lords private members bill which would establish a licensing scheme for security guards working in retail stores, according to the Financial Times.
The bill would create different tiers of licensing for both premises and security staff. Under the proposals, trained individuals could be given additional powers, including the use of reasonable force for detention, and be allowed to carry approved equipment such as restraint devices under strict conditions.
Walker told the FT that he was motivated to submit the bill after campaigning for stronger protection for retail workers, amid what he has previously described as a “shoplifting war” on Britain’s high streets.
It is still not confirmed whether the bill has been selected for a first reading in the House of Lords.
The main policy debate would take place at second reading, before the bill moves to committee stage for closer scrutiny and votes on amendments. It would then need a third reading before being sent to the House of Commons.
Walker has become one of the most vocal UK business leaders in the fight against retail theft.
Last month, Walker raised the issue during an interview with The Times when he said: “We call it shoplifting, which sounds like a cheeky bit of pilfering, but actually we should just call it out for what it is, which is violent crime.
“We all saw the footage of marauding gangs and security guards being beaten up. The violent nature of it in Clapham is horrific.
“I’ve always argued for more powers for security guards. You go to Spain and all the security guards have pepper spray and a truncheon, they don’t mess about.”
Recently, he made headlines when he publicly offered a job to Walker Smith, a 54-year-old Waitrose employee who was fired for confronting a shoplifter stealing Easter eggs.
Walker criticised the sacking, arguing that staff should not be punished for defending their store.