Southend Partnership Supports Workers Against Harassment

As part of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, Southend City BID have teamed up with safety partners in a focused day of action in Southend city centre.

Street Rangers Mark, Andrew, and Kyle alongside Community Safety Officer Dan, and PC Alex Plaktienko and PC Glen Foote from the Essex Police Business Crime Team

On Thursday 3^rd July, Southend City BID joined forces with the Essex Police Business Crime Team and Southend Council Community Safety Team to engage with local businesses and members of the public in support of the ‘Just Here To Work’ campaign - a police led initiative that tackles harassment in the workplace.

Suzanne Gloyne, Manager at Southend City BID, said “This partnership day was about educating and building confidence. The teams spoke directly with businesses, staff, and members of the public about what harassment looks like, how to report it, and what support is available. For businesses, the campaign complements existing policies and sends a strong message to employees that their wellbeing matters.

Just as importantly, we used the opportunity to inform the wider public. The ‘Just Here To Work’ campaign delivers a clear message that harassment will not be tolerated; together with our safety partners, we’re standing up for those affected.”

The campaign, led by the Essex Police Business Crime Team, seeks to highlight the different forms of harassment workers may face, whether from customers or colleagues, and encourages the reporting of incidents. 

PC Glen Foote provides a briefing to staff at Boots in the Royals Shopping Centre

PC Glen Foote, Essex Police Business Crime Team, explained “Stalking and harassment comes in many forms in both our private and working lives. From unhealthy customer attachments, loitering around at business open and close times or even inappropriate behaviour within the workforce. Our ‘Just Here To Work’ campaign aims to raise the profile of such behaviours and prompt united action.

This staff welfare project is designed to support and complement existing workplace policy, encourage a culture of openness, reasonable behaviour and staff feeling supported by a responsible and progressive employer. We are thrilled to bring this to the business community of Southend.”

ASB Awareness Week aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and create safer, more respectful communities.

Simon Ford, Head of Community Safety at Southend Council, said: “Anti-Social behaviour awareness week runs from 30th June – 6th July with the focus on Making Communities Safer. As part of this week, we have joined our partners Essex Police and Southend City BID to support the ‘Just Here to Work’ campaign aiming to provide more information to local businesses on reporting crimes and keeping employees safe.”

For advice on harassment and other crimes, visit www.essex.police.uk/advice. To report a crime, call 101 or visit the website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.