Imagine being the only staff member in a shop, late at night, with no backup if something goes wrong. That’s the reality for thousands of Co-op workers across the UK – and it’s getting worse under Project Lunar, a cost-cutting restructure that’s left stores stripped of staff and workers facing serious risks alone.

Now, Co-op staff are fighting back.

Last week, The Guardian published a powerful article featuring workers from the Organise network, shining a national spotlight on the dangers of lone working in Co-op stores. You can read it here: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/24/co-op-staff-say-they-are-being-put-at-risk-by-having-to-work-alone

Workers shared what it’s really like: dealing with shoplifters, threats and violence with no support, often in the evenings or at closing time. One worker said: “I’m a grandmother who doesn’t need this. I’ve also witnessed male shoplifters get Stanley knives and screwdrivers to threaten staff members ” Another said they regularly close early out of fear for their safety.

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s about people’s lives being put at risk in the name of profit.

Thousands are backing Co-op workers

The Organise community, of Co-op staff and customers, jumped into action. Over 7,000 people have already signed the petition demanding Co-op end unsafe lone working and properly staff its stores. Workers are calling on Co-op to:

• End lone working
• Commit to a minimum number of staff per shift.

These are clear demands — and Co-op, which claims to care about staff safety after campaigning for a change in the law to make assault on a shop worker illegal, is betraying its values. Staff don't need more tech interventions, they need more colleagues. As a Co-operative, staff are at the heart of the business - but they are being ignored.

National media pressure is building

Thanks to brave workers speaking out and thousands of people backing the campaign, we made it happen. National media coverage is forcing Co-op to respond to staff concerns.

But Co-op still hasn’t committed to change.

Be part of it:

📣 Sign the petition to stop lone working at Co-op now: https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-stop-lone-working-at-the-co-op-0d6e30ec413c7a80

📬 Then send it to 3 friends who care about workers’ safety.

Together, we’re showing that when we speak out, we can be heard – and we can win.

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