Travelling & Commuting Risk Perceptions

The majority of workers are concerned about commuting

Safety concerns related to commuting to and from work are widespread.

69% of commuters have safety concerns about their journey, with worries ranging from encountering anti-social behaviour (24%) to being followed (22%).

❝People are being followed home from work. I know of one example where we had to move people for their own safety.❞

Paul Gerrard, Co-op Head of Campaigns

25% are discouraged from coming into the office due to personal safety concerns

49% are concerned about travelling alone during work hours

51% believe employers have a duty of care towards them outside of working hours

Over a third of women have been sexually harassed on their commute to work

For those who do travel to work, concerns arise regarding the safest time to commute. Data from the British Transport Police reveals that most assaults occur during the evening rush hour when trains are packed and busy, typically between 5-7 pm. To avoid this, many employees are leaving work later, which means travelling at night-time. However, this adjustment may lead to increased vulnerability to other safety risks, such as encountering deserted stations or poorly lit areas that equally cause feelings of fear and anxiety.Workers are taking proactive steps to protect themselves, including travelling with a colleague or taking a different route. This behaviour demonstrates the profound influence that personal safety fears have on people’s actions and decision-making.Driven by a concern for their safety, these proactive measures highlight the critical need for employers to understand and address these concerns. By prioritising employee safety and implementing robust security measures, employers can create a work environment where employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to navigate their daily responsibilities with confidence.

Changes made by employees to better protect themselves at work or while commuting:

"Safety should not be a luxury."

The 'Get Me Home Safely' campaign, led by Caitlin Lee in 2021, stemmed from her experience walking home alone in Glasgow after her employer failed to provide night-time transport and her last bus didn't arrive. That night, she was sexually assaulted in Glasgow city centre.

Recognising that her experience was not unique and that the financial burden late-night taxis impose makes them unrealistic for many, Caitlin partnered with the Unite Union to push for free and safe transport for late-night workers in Glasgow.

Their efforts led to Glasgow City Council passing a motion requiring hospitality businesses to provide transport after 23:00, a significant advancement in safeguarding employees. Since then, schemes have also been introduced by Edinburgh City Council, East Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Falkirk and Dundee.

Caitlin's experience resonated deeply with many, including Indie Muir, a 24-year-old bar and restaurant worker. Indie, who often finishes shifts late at night, understands the fear and uncertainty of having to walk home alone in the early hours.

Since the motion has been passed, Indie commented: "I definitely feel like I can go to work feeling a lot more at ease knowing I'll be able to get home safely” and later added, "Safety should not be a luxury".

The Importance of Reliable Check-In Systems

Almost half of businesses operate a formal check-in system for business travellers

Yet concerningly, 39% of women and 20% of men expressed worries towards the absence of a check-in system. This issue is particularly prominent for women, other marginalised groups, and those who have experienced incidents previously.

Concern is heightened for individuals who routinely engage with clients or visit customers in unfamiliar environments, leaving them vulnerable without a system to confirm their whereabouts or wellbeing in emergencies.

This issue underscores the challenges associated with manual check-in systems, as highlighted by the concerns of 18% of respondents who perceive them as a time drain, 17% who view them as admin heavy and 13% who view them as an unreliable way to keep track of staff.

These viewpoints highlight the necessity for innovative solutions that address both the safety concerns of travellers and the practical considerations of those responsible for implementing and managing check-in systems.

One potential solution lies in leveraging technology to streamline check-in processes while alleviating the time and administrative burdens associated with manual systems.

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