FSB’s research from December 2023 conclusively found an increase in threatening behaviour, intimidation, and assault experienced by small businesses over the last few years, alongside increased reports of serious organised shop theft. FSB recognises that smaller businesses across the UK are particularly vulnerable to business crime, which has often been considered the poor relation to other forms of crime. FSB has made a number of policy recommendations to the Government, which can be seen in this report. In smaller businesses it is often not possible to increase staff or spend substantial sums on security provision to help make premises safer. However, a reported rise in retail theft has led some small business retailers to spend more on security measures. For example, one retailer has reported spending £5,000 on a new steel and glass cage around the till area "because the cashiers kept getting jumped on and spat at". Small shops in particular may often be seen as an "easier target for thieves" compared to larger supermarkets.
For businesses that employ staff, even on a casual basis, there is a legal duty to protect them so far as possible from foreseeable harm. This includes protecting staff, as far as possible, from work-related violence. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines work-related violence as:
‘Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.’
This can include verbal abuse or threats, or physical attacks either from members of the public, customers, clients, patients, or service users.
Meeting this legal duty will be achieved by carrying out relevant risk assessments and putting in place appropriate measures to address the identified risks. A risk assessment alone will not reduce the occurrence of work-related violence, but the actions the employer takes in relation to the identified risks should. This is likely to include communicating to staff the procedure they should follow where customers who behave aggressively or abusively and any physical security measures.
Procedures that contribute to staff safety and the efficient running of the business are likely to include procedures on dealing with shoplifters, till snatches and robberies, as well as cash handling and banking procedures; in addition to customer complaint and refund procedures.
The HSE has published guidance on managing violence and aggression at work in this sector (which is equally applicable to other workplace sectors) that focuses on employers’ health and safety duties towards their staff. The guidance sets out a number of prevention and risk mitigation measures that can be put in place.