A Royton butcher’s shop has issued a strong warning to customers over abuse – saying they’ll ban for life anyone who is abusive.

Shane’s Quality Meats, located inside Roman Road Industrial Estate, Royton, warned customers of abuse in a post on its Facebook page.

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The post reads: “Our staff work hard to deliver great value and friendly service.

“In return they are entitled to work in an environment free from unpleasantness and hostility.

“Should any client be abusive, either in person or online, we will immediately decline all of their business and advise that they will not be served by us in the future.

“Thank you

“Shanes Quality Meats”

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Customers shared their support for the butcher’s, which is open from Monday to Saturday, in the comments section – with staff called ‘friendly and helpful’.

Regular customer Jade Burgess posted: “Why are you even having to post this! I just don’t understand people being rude or mean.

“Every time I’ve been in it’s been friendly or banter. Ridiculous you have to post this.”

Sharon Wood agreed, saying: “Omg that’s disgusting hope you lot are ok. I honestly think you guys are brilliant always nice and pleasant.”

Gerald Hill said: “I'm always impressed by you and your staff Shane. Hope 2024 brings you better customers with manners.”

The news comes after the Retail Trust charity warned last year that workers were suffering abuse sometimes several times per week, with some workers saying they had 'never known it so bad'.

In the last six months, chains including Tesco and Lidl have provided staff with body-worn cameras to combat shoplifting and attacks.

In March, research from the British Retail Consortium found that violent and abusive attacks on retail staff had almost doubled since pre-pandemic levels.

In November, research from the Institute of Customer Service found that almost one in three customer-facing workers have considered leaving their role following customer hostility, with less than half of staff who face hostility at work reporting it.

Following the findings, the Insititute’s chief executive Jo Causon called for better recording and reporting of crime statistics relating to service workers.

She said:  “Customer hostility is demonstrably leading to low staff morale, extended staff absences, and increased churn – so it’s hurting not just the individual, but the economy too.

“Frontline workers across all sectors need protecting and organisations need full confidence that when abuse is reported to the police, they will be acted on.”

Shane’s Quality Meats was contacted for this story.

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