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Tesco Leads the Way in Retailer Safety with Body-Worn Cameras for Delivery Drivers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tesco has become the first major UK retailer to introduce body-worn cameras for its delivery drivers, with plans to roll out the equipment to over 5,000 drivers in 100 stores by the end of the year. The initiative aims to make drivers feel safer while on the job, particularly in light of escalating threats and violence towards retail delivery drivers in recent years. According to Tesco, the cameras have already been shown to reduce serious incidents against drivers by 50% in trials.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tesco is the first major UK retailer to introduce body-worn cameras for delivery drivers, with plans to roll out the equipment to over 5,000 drivers in 100 stores by the end of the year.
  • The cameras have already been shown to reduce serious incidents against drivers by 50% in trials.
  • Tesco has invested tens of millions of pounds in safety measures over the past four years, including security officers, refurbishing its Security Hub, and implementing practical measures such as protective screens and door entry systems.
  • Tesco has given all its UK colleagues free access to a personal safety app that can track their journeys and help them raise the alarm if they feel unsafe.
  • The company is backing the government's Crime and Policing Bill, which includes the introduction of a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker, and is advocating for online delivery drivers to be included in the scope of the offence.
  • According to the union Usdaw, the introduction of body-worn cameras is a positive step, given the clear evidence that they significantly reduce the risks of abuse and violence.
  • Tesco has engaged closely with its delivery driver colleagues and responded to their request for additional technology to help them feel safe while out on deliveries.

Statistics:

  • 1.45 million: The number of online grocery orders Tesco delivers per week.
  • 5,000: The number of drivers who will receive body-worn cameras by the end of the year.
  • 100: The number of stores where the cameras will be rolled out.
  • 50%: The reduction in serious incidents against drivers achieved through trials of the body-worn cameras.
  • 60%: The reduction in serious incidents reported in Scotland, where delivery drivers are within the scope of the offence.
  • 37%: The reduction in verbal abuse reported in Scotland.
  • Tens of millions of pounds: The amount invested by Tesco in safety measures over the past four years.

Sources:

  • Tesco. (n.d.). Tesco introduces body-worn cameras for delivery drivers. Retrieved from [Tesco press release]
  • Tesco. (n.d.). Tesco CEO Ashwin Prasad. Retrieved from [Tesco website]
  • Usdaw. (n.d.). Tesco introduces body-worn cameras for delivery drivers. Retrieved from [Usdaw press release]
  • Crime and Policing Bill. (n.d.). Retrieved from [UK Government website]

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