Tesco has announced plans to roll out body-worn cameras to more than 5,000 of its delivery drivers across 100 stores by the end of this year, in a major move to enhance the safety and wellbeing of its workforce. The initiative follows rising concerns over abuse, threats, and violence directed at retail delivery drivers across the UK.
The retail giant, which fulfils an estimated 1.45 million online grocery orders every week, confirmed that the investment comes after several years of escalating incidents involving delivery staff. The company’s decision is backed by encouraging trial results showing a 50% reduction in serious incidents against drivers when body cameras were used.
Tesco’s UK Chief Executive, Ashwin Prasad, underscored the company’s commitment to staff welfare, stating:
“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.”
Prasad added that the move builds upon Tesco’s broader campaign to tackle retail-related crime and ensure all employees feel safe while performing their duties.
A positive trial leads to national rollout
The company’s decision to expand the programme follows a highly successful trial in Hull, where the introduction of cameras led to a marked decrease in abuse. The cameras will be activated only if a driver feels unsafe, ensuring privacy while maintaining an effective deterrent.
In line with its safety-first approach, Tesco has also welcomed the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which introduces a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers. However, the company continues to advocate for online delivery drivers to be explicitly included in the law’s protection, noting that these individuals often work alone without the security of being in-store.
Tesco’s initiative aligns closely with a growing industry trend toward employee protection and personal safety. Over the past four years, the company has invested tens of millions of pounds in enhanced safety measures, including:
- Recruiting record numbers of trained security officers
- Upgrading its Security Hub in Daventry
- Installing protective screens and door entry systems in stores
These investments underscore Tesco’s ongoing commitment to both prevention and response, as well as its willingness to engage directly with colleagues to understand their concerns.
Expanding protection and technology
Tesco’s collaboration with staff has been key to the rollout’s development. Drivers themselves requested additional tools to improve their sense of security, prompting the company’s decision to introduce wearable cameras. A wider national expansion is already being planned for 2026, signalling Tesco’s determination to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Additionally, in September, Tesco launched a free personal safety app for all UK employees. The app tracks journeys and allows staff to raise the alarm if they feel threatened or unsafe — whether returning home after a shift, travelling late at night, or commuting through unfamiliar areas.
This innovation is another step in Tesco’s evolving workplace safety strategy, driven by real feedback from its UK workforce. It represents a growing corporate awareness of the challenges faced by UK workers who routinely engage with the public in isolated or unpredictable situations.
Protecting UK workers: A broader context
For delivery drivers, safety concerns have become an increasingly pressing issue across the retail sector. Reports of harassment, aggression, and intimidation continue to rise, particularly for those working alone or at night. Tesco’s move could therefore mark a significant shift in how major UK employers approach worker protection — blending technology, training, and policy advocacy to make real, measurable change.
At The Workers Union, we believe that initiatives like this highlight the importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in dignity, respect, and protection. Whether on the shop floor or out on the road, every worker deserves to feel secure in their job.
Tesco’s actions may set a precedent for other major UK employers to follow, fostering a safer and more respectful working environment for all.
