Retail staff are to hand out cards to customers over the next few weeks, urging them to keep their cool during the busy run-up to Christmas.
The initiative is part of the Freedom from Fear campaign, organised by shopworkers’ union Usdaw to tackle abuse of retail staff.
The small cards will offer tips on how to remain calm, including:
• Ask for help – shopworkers will help if customers ask
• Stay relaxed – it’s easier to help customers who are calm
• Remember – shopworkers have feelings too
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis this week visited the Co-operative’s Corporation Street store in Manchester to publicise the initiative.
Tim Hurrell, managing director for food at the Co-op, said: “The Co-operative has worked in partnership with Usdaw over recent years to support the Freedom from Fear campaign as part of a range of pioneering initiatives we have introduced to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in our stores and in the wider community.”
