The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called for delivery drivers to be included in the standalone offence for assaulting or threatening retailer workers, with the trade association revealing that many will be equipped with personal safety devices and DNA spit testing kits over the busy festive season.

According to the organisation, up to a third of all retail sales will be made online during the run up to Christmas, meaning delivery drivers will be "busier than ever".

“Violence and abuse is not restricted to those working in stores, delivery drivers have been subjected to abuse, physical violence, and threats with weapons,” it said. “As a result, many are being equipped with protective measures, such as personal safety devices to alert the police of their whereabouts, and DNA spit testing kits.”

The comments come as retailers urge the government to ensure that the standalone offence for assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker is introduced as "quickly as possible" and applies to all working in the industry.

“Delivery riders work very hard during the festive season, supporting restaurants and shops to reach customers across the UK," said Camilla Kater, senior vice president of rider & care at Deliveroo. "We’re urging the Government through our Right to Ride Safely campaign to ensure the standalone offence for assaulting or threatening a retail worker also includes delivery riders given the vital role they play in the retail industry."

Paddy Lillis, general secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), said that it is shocking that "over two-thirds" of staff working in stores and delivering to customers are suffering abuse.

"Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by theft from shops, which is clearly the result of a significant increase in police recorded shoplifting," he continued.

Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust said that the organisation sees a rise in the number of people calling the Retail Trust’s helpline every Christmas as stores get busier and shoppers take out their frustrations on staff.

"Shop workers tell us they have products thrown at them and smashed up in front of them while those delivering orders get doors slammed in their faces and objects hurled in their direction," continued Brook-Carter. "This completely unacceptable behaviour will leave many with no option but to consider leaving their jobs in the new year due to the understandable toll it takes on their physical and mental health."

---