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Tesco Equips Delivery Drivers with Body Cameras to Combat Growing Threats

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tesco, a leading supermarket chain in the UK, has taken a significant step to protect its delivery drivers from threats and violence by equipping them with body cameras. The move comes after a notable increase in incidents involving Tesco's delivery drivers in recent years. The company aims to roll out the cameras to over 5,000 delivery workers across 100 UK stores by the end of 2025, supporting over 1.45 million weekly online orders.

This initiative has been welcomed by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), which has expressed concerns about the safety of its members. A survey of 300 workers found that 77% had experienced abuse, 13% had been assaulted, and 26% had refused a delivery in the past year due to fears for their personal safety. Ashwin Prasad, Tesco UK CEO, emphasized the importance of protecting drivers and deterring potential aggressors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tesco will equip over 5,000 delivery workers with body cameras across 100 UK stores by the end of 2025, supporting over 1.45 million weekly online orders.
  • The move aims to reduce violent and threatening incidents against delivery drivers by half.
  • Delivery drivers have faced challenges due to new laws requiring age verification for restricted items, leading to increased abuse and assault.
  • A USDAW survey found that 77% of drivers experienced abuse, 13% were assaulted, and 26% refused deliveries due to personal safety concerns.
  • Tesco CEO Ashwin Prasad has called for the government to extend the standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to include online delivery drivers.
  • The government's Crime and Policing Bill does not currently include delivery drivers, prompting calls for extension of the law.

Statistics:

  • 77% of drivers experienced abuse according to an USDAW survey.
  • 13% of drivers were assaulted, highlighting the severity of the issue.
  • 26% of drivers refused deliveries in the past year due to personal safety concerns.
  • Tesco delivers over 1.45 million online orders per week, placing drivers at high risk.
  • The rollout of body cameras aims to reduce violent and threatening incidents by half.

Sources:

  • The Express: "Tesco delivery drivers to wear body cameras in attempt to tackle violence against them"
  • Tesco website: "Tesco Equips Delivery Drivers with Body Cameras to Combat Growing Threats"

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