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New best practice guidance developed by researchers at the University of Manchester is helping retailers address the growing challenge of violence and aggression faced by frontline staff.

The Thomas Ashton Institute’s Violence and Aggression Research Network (VARN) has contributed to the development of new evidence-informed guidance aimed at helping retailers better prevent and manage work-related violence and aggression.

Developed in collaboration with the Retail Trust and researchers at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), the guidance – – provides practical strategies to support organisations in protecting their workforce and improving workplace safety.

Addressing a growing challenge

Work-related violence and aggression is an increasing concern across the retail sector, with staff frequently exposed to verbal abuse, threats and physical harm in the course of their work. Recent research underpinning the guidance highlights the scale of the issue, with many incidents going unreported and a significant impact on staff wellbeing, safety and retention across the industry.

Evidence from the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign shows that the problem is widespread, with a substantial proportion of retail workers reporting experiences of abuse, stress and anxiety linked to their work.

Evidence-based solutions for employers

The new guidance brings together academic research and industry insight to provide retailers with practical, flexible approaches to tackling WVA. It focuses on areas including:

• Improving reporting systems and encouraging staff to report incidents

• Strengthening training and prevention strategies

• Supporting colleagues affected by abuse

• Fostering a culture of respect and safety in retail environments

By equipping employers with actionable recommendations, the guidance aims to help organisations create safer workplaces while improving staff wellbeing and organisational resilience

The role of VARN

The work is underpinned by research led through the Violence and Aggression Research Network (VARN), which is hosted by the Thomas Ashton Institute for Risk and Regulatory Research.

VARN brings together researchers, policymakers and industry partners to better understand the nature and extent of violence and aggression in the workplace, and to develop strategies to improve reporting, prevention and response.

By creating a space for collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors, the network plays a key role in translating research into real-world impact.

Driving safer workplaces through collaboration

This collaboration between the Retail Trust, AMBS and VARN highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and partnership working in addressing complex workplace challenges.

Through initiatives like this, the Thomas Ashton Institute continues to support evidence-based approaches to improving workplace safety, health and wellbeing—helping organisations across sectors respond to emerging risks and create safer, more supportive environments for their people.