Westgate Oxford unites with Retail Trust to tackle abuse towards retail workers this festive season
As the festive rush begins, Westgate Oxford has joined forces with the Retail Trust, the retail industry charity, to help protect retail workers from rising levels of abuse, with dedicated free training to help colleagues manage difficult interactions.
Delivered through the charity’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, Westgate Oxford and the Retail Trust are rolling out practical training at the shopping centre, offering both its centre and store staff the tools and confidence to handle challenging interactions and recover after difficult moments on the shop floor.
The partnerships follows new research from the Retail Trust showing that over three-quarters (77%) of shop staff nationwide have faced intimidating behaviour in the past year, one in four (23%) have been physically assaulted, and nearly half (43%) say they are being abused or attacked every week.
The charity is calling on shoppers to help restore humanity to the high street this Christmas, starting with simple gestures of respect like a hello, thank you or a smile. In December, visitors to Westgate Oxford will also see messaging throughout the centre, reminding millions that every act of kindness counts.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented: “Retail workers are at the heart of Westgate Oxford, keeping our stores, restaurants and experiences running every day, and we have a responsibility to create a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
“This partnership with the Retail Trust not only provides teams practical tools and emotional support, but it also reminds all of us that small acts of kindness make a real difference. When our team and workers feel protected and appreciated, it leads to better experiences for them and for everyone who visits.”
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, added: “Unkind and aggressive behaviour has sadly become ‘part of the job’ for far too many people working in retail. We want to equip staff across Westgate Oxford with the skills to safely de-escalate difficult situations and look after their wellbeing.
“Our campaign is also calling on everyone to restore respect to the high street this Christmas, starting with acts as simple as a thank you, a greeting, and a smile. We know that the smallest acts of recognition still make a huge difference to anyone who is facing daily hostility at work.”
ENDS
*Total survey size was 1,058. The survey took place online between 7 July and 13 August and due to the sensitive nature of the subject was carried out anonymously. The full findings are available here.
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Notes to Editors
About Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford is a modern retail and leisure destination, attracting world-class retailers and leisure facilities to the historic city of Oxford.
With over 100 global brands and 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, Westgate Oxford offers a unique retail experience in the heart of Oxford.
Find out more at www.westgateoxford.co.uk
About Landsec
We identify and shape places that create opportunity, enhance quality of life, and bring joy to the people connected to them.
This is how we’ve created the UK’s leading portfolio of urban places and one of the largest real estate companies in Europe.
Our £10 billion portfolio is built around premium workplaces, the country’s pre-eminent retail platform, and a residential pipeline that will redefine urban life.
We’ve honed this ability over 80 years. Spotting the opportunities, building the partnerships, and continually adapting to shape the places that meet the needs of a changing world.
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About Retail Trust
The Retail Trust has been caring for and protecting the lives of people working in retail from 1832 onwards. We believe the health of our colleagues is the foundation they need to flourish in both work and life. It will also help create a more sustainable and successful future for retail. We put people at the heart of everything we do, from colleagues just starting out, right through to those at the end of their careers.
We like to remember how our very first chairman, Thomas Helps, described the purpose of the charity: “To promote the happiness and interests of those engaged in the trade….” This still holds true today. In fact it guides everything we do, why we do it and what we believe in. We believe in it so passionately, our charity has become a movement with a very clear cause: to create hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail.
We create hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail by giving them the foundation to flourish. A foundation that provides help, humanity and feeling to all our colleagues. One that gives them the opportunity to flourish, to grow and develop now and in the future. And feel happier in everything they do.
