M&S has become the first major UK grocer to publicly support the Retail Trust’s “Let’s Respect Retail” campaign, which calls for better treatment for retail workers across Britain’s high street.

Let’s Respect Retail is a charity organisation run by the Retail Trust for retail workers to tackle abuse against shopworkers and encourage fair treatment towards employees who serve customers every day.

This move builds on M&S’ long-term partnership with the Retail Trust that forms part of the retailer’s wider commitment to colleague safety and wellbeing.

The business has been working towards better protection for its staff with continued investment in security measures and collaboration with policing partners to help tackle retail crime.

Thinus Keeve, retail director at M&S, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of M&S, and every one of them deserves to feel safe, respected and valued when they come to work. While the vast majority of customer interactions are positive, abuse should never be accepted as part of the job.

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“That’s why we’re proud to become the first major UK grocer to support the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign. Creating safer environments for retail workers requires action from all of us.”

Hundreds of retailers have already backed the campaign, and the Retail Trust will be calling on shoppers to act with respect in the months leading up to Christmas.

M&S staff members have access to the Retail Trust’s range of wellbeing services, including specialist support after incidents of abuse, intimidation or other difficult customer interactions, alongside practical resources and a confidential 24-hour helpline.

Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said: “We’re proud to be working with M&S to bring an end to unacceptable behaviour on British high streets and to provide thousands of retail workers with the support they need to protect their wellbeing.”