Tesco is introducing body cameras for its delivery drivers to enhance their safety and security against potential threats and violence. The retail giant, known for handling 1.45 million online orders weekly, plans to equip over 5,000 delivery personnel in 100 UK stores with these cameras by the end of 2025.
This initiative follows a rise in incidents involving Tesco’s delivery staff in recent years. The company anticipates that the presence of these cameras will act as a deterrent, potentially reducing violent and threatening situations by 50%.
The cameras will only be activated if a driver perceives a threat, ensuring that not all interactions are recorded. Delivery drivers have been facing additional challenges due to new regulations mandating age verification for customers buying restricted items like knives, alongside the usual age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) has expressed support for Tesco’s decision, citing concerns from its members about feeling vulnerable under the new regulations. A USDAW survey involving 300 workers revealed that 77% had encountered abuse, 13% had experienced assault, and 26% had declined deliveries in the past year due to safety concerns.
Tesco’s UK CEO, Ashwin Prasad, emphasized the importance of protecting employees from verbal and physical abuse, noting that the body cameras will aid in safeguarding drivers, deterring potential offenders, and reducing serious incidents. He highlighted the company’s commitment to prioritizing customer and staff safety by investing significantly to combat retail crime and ensure a secure shopping environment at Tesco.
Despite the government’s introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers in the Crime and Policing Bill, delivery drivers are not currently included. Both Tesco and USDAW have advocated for the inclusion of delivery drivers in this legislation, emphasizing their vulnerability while working independently without the protection typically available in-store.
Prasad urged for government action to extend the standalone offence to cover online delivery drivers, sending a strong message to offenders. He stressed the need for collaboration between retailers, the government, and law enforcement to address this issue effectively and ensure the safety of all individuals interacting with Tesco.