Closed petition: Require employers to provide retail security staff with stab-proof vests

Closed on 29 March 2026

We want the Government to require all retail employers to provide in-house security staff with stab-proof protective vests, as part of their duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act, to help reduce injuries and improve safety in stores.

There are reports showing how retail security staff face incidents of violence and abuse daily, and some even experience knife crime. Many in-house guards might not be issued stab-proof vests, which can leave them vulnerable. We urge the Government to require all employers to provide protective vests, to better fulfil their duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act and help improve staff safety and morale.