Tesco becomes first retailer to roll out body-worn cameras for delivery drivers

The retailer, which delivers over 1.45 million online grocery orders a week, is investing in bodycams in response to “escalated levels of threats and violence towards retail delivery drivers in recent years”.

The cameras are the same as those the supermarket giant has already rolled out to store staff and will “act as a deterrent and have been shown in trials to reduce serious incidents against drivers by 50%”.

The cameras will only be used if a driver feels unsafe.

Tesco is pressing ahead with the rollout after trialling the cameras in Hull, which it found reduced serious incidents “significantly”.

Tesco UK chief executive Ashwin Prasad said: “Nobody should have to face verbal or physical abuse at work, and the rollout of body-worn cameras will help us protect our drivers, deter would-be offenders and reduce the number of serious incidents.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues will always be our first priority and we are making significant investments to make sure we lead the way in tackling retail crime and ensure everyone feels safe whenever they shop with Tesco.”

The retailer said while it welcomed the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, it would keep pressing to make the case for online delivery drivers to be included in its scope, “particularly as they work alone without the protection that comes with being in a store”.

Tesco said this would bring the law in England and Wales in line with Scotland, where delivery drivers are covered within the scope of the offence of violence and abuse against retail workers. Scotland has seen cases of abuse and violence fall compared to the rest of the UK.

Prasad added: “No retailer can tackle this issue alone and that’s why we welcome the government’s Crime and Policing Bill and encourage it to go further, sending a message to offenders by extending the standalone offence to cover online delivery drivers.”

Tesco’s announcement has been welcomed by trade union Usdaw. National officer Daniel Adams said: “Usdaw regularly engages with Tesco on its ongoing efforts to protect retail workers from the continued threat of abuse and violence.

“Our customer delivery driver reps have consistently pointed out that this is an issue that extends beyond stores, with drivers being particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this investment in bodycams is to be welcomed, given the clear evidence that they significantly reduce the risks of abuse and violence for those who wear them.

“This is also why the union is reiterating its call on the government to ensure home delivery drivers are included in the new standalone offence for assaulting retail workers as part of the Crime and Policing Bill. No worker should face the risk of threats, abuse and violence in doing their job, and we must all do everything that we can to ensure all workplaces are healthy and safe.”