Tesco Rolls Out Body-Worn Cameras for Delivery Drivers in Safety Drive

Tesco, a leading British retailer, has announced a major safety initiative to protect its delivery drivers. The company will provide over 5,000 drivers with body-worn cameras to enhance their workplace safety, following an increase in threats and violent incidents targeting delivery staff in recent years. The rollout of the cameras, which have already proven effective in reducing serious incidents by 50%, is part of Tesco's dedication to employee protection and its efforts to tackle retail crime. The move comes as part of the company's broader investment in safety measures, which include security officers, refurbished security hubs, and other practical measures.

Key Takeaways:

• Tesco will provide over 5,000 delivery drivers with body-worn cameras as part of efforts to enhance their workplace safety.
• The cameras, which are already utilised by in-store personnel, have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing serious incidents by 50%.
• The rollout follows an increase in threats and violent incidents targeting delivery staff in recent years.
• Tesco has endorsed the government's Crime and Policing Bill, welcoming the creation of a specific offence for assaulting retail workers.
• The company has also invested in other safety measures, including security officers, refurbished security hubs, and personal safety apps for its employees.
• Plans are being developed for a wider rollout of body-worn cameras to further delivery sites in 2026.

Statistics:

• Tesco processes 1.45 million online grocery deliveries weekly.
• Serious incidents involving drivers have been reduced by 50% through the use of body-worn cameras.
• In Scotland, where delivery drivers fall under the scope of the offence, recorded incidents have plummeted, showing a 60% decline in serious cases and a 37% drop in verbal abuse.
• Tesco has invested a substantial amount of money in safety measures over the past four years.
• Ongoing plans include a wider rollout to further delivery sites in 2026.

Sources:

• The Mirror
• Usdaw (national officer Daniel Adams)
• Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad
• Tesco's website