Co-op store staff say they feel unsafe working alone

Co-op staff have accused the supermarket of putting their safety and security at risk by having too few people on duty - with some saying they have been threatened while working alone on the shop floor.

- Sarah Butler

Despite a surge in theft, many report being left alone to pack online orders and manage self-checkouts and tills in some small stores. In larger outlets, staff say they can be left in the same position when a colleague takes a break or is managing deliveries.

Now fears have risen as the Co-op, which has campaigned extensively on the problem of shoplifting, rolls out Project Lunar, a plan to introduce lone working with only one person on duty in quieter stores.

The scheme, which was trialled in five locations last year, is being expanded to 60 branches.