Campaign calls on customers to ‘ShopKind’

The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role in supporting people during these difficult times and emphasises that we should all treat workers and also other customers with respect, kindness, and gratitude.

The campaign, which is also backed by the Home Office and the shopworkers union Usdaw, will be visible across high streets and social media.

Home secretary, Priti Patel, said: “Throughout the pandemic, shop staff have been the lifeline for many in our communities, and I am grateful for their vital service. Violence and abuse towards shop workers is utterly despicable and unacceptable, everyone has the right to feel safe at work.

“As the daughter of shopkeepers, I fully support ShopKind, a reminder to customers to consider their behaviour towards shop staff, and I would encourage all retailers to fully support it.”

James Lowman, chief executive at the Association of Convenience Stores, added: “We fully support ShopKind, which serves as an important reminder of the essential work that convenience stores have done over the last year and continue to do to as the rest of retail reopens.”

Paddy Lillis, general secretary at union Usdaw, said: “All workers have the right to feel safe and abuse should never be a part of the job. We hope that this campaign will highlight the incredible contributions of retail workers and promote the need for all customers to behave responsibly.”