Employers Duty of Care

All employers have a responsibility and duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff, extending even to their commute to and from work. This duty is especially pertinent in the retail sector where the hours can be antisocial, with dark evenings and early mornings. At these times public transportation may be quieter, offering less support from bystanders in the event of an incident. It's essential for employers to recognise that these factors significantly impact employee’s safety, wellbeing and willingness to come to work.

In retail, employees cover a wide age range, from the very young to the elderly, adding layers of vulnerability. This makes it even more crucial for employers to fulfil their duty of care. For young teenagers entering the workforce, parents are likely to be more supportive of their role when given the protection they deserve, particularly for their commute. Similarly, adult children would feel more comfortable knowing that their older parents are well-protected while working in retail.

Therefore, employers must prioritise providing comprehensive protection not only within the workplace but also throughout their employees' journeys to and from work.

As Mark Wood, UK Security and Standards Manager at Pret a Manger, commented when discussing the efforts to protect their employees, "Safety of staff is a top-down agenda item—it is part of the values of the business.”

"We are behind the curve with most of Europe where this duty of care to and from the workplace already exists. Recognising and addressing the safety concerns during employees' commutes is a crucial step in ensuring their overall wellbeing and fostering a supportive work environment."