Young people fear working in retail because they are concerned about being attacked by thieves, according to an industry chief.
Britain is in the midst of a shoplifting epidemic with almost 800 crimes a day going unsolved, with one theft recorded every minute.
Shoplifting levels have doubled since the pandemic and rocketed by 20 per cent since the Government came into power last year.
The rise in shoplifting is costing the retail industry billions of pounds and violent thieves are making it harder for shops to hire and retain staff.
Jonathan James, who owns the Select Convenience brand, which operates around 40 supermarkets and stores, said it was having a negative impact on recruitment, with young people too scared to work as they worry they will be attacked by shoplifters.
