Woolworths laid down the law last week, saying they are taking steps to protect employees as the major national retailer recorded more than 3,000 acts of violence, threats and abuse in the past 12 months.

With Black Friday and Christmas approaching,  Australian Retail Association’s Chief of Industry Affairs Fleur Brown told Julie-anne Sprague on 6PR Afternoons the need to take a proactive stance against retail violence is stronger than ever.

“One of the areas that we’re most focused on at the moment though is legislative change to call out retail workers as they have in South Australia and new South Wales to protect them, give them added protection through the law,” Ms Brown said.

“We are seeing this increased elevated customer base, so it’s not ok.”

Press PLAY to hear more about how stores are cracking down on violence before the Christmas rush

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