News - 16.06.2025

Improving Safety for Retail Workers

VR, the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV), and the Federation of Trade and Services (SVÞ) have joined forces to promote increased safety for retail workers in Iceland. Both retail employees and employers have expressed growing concern over rising violence and harassment in the workplace. Representatives from all three parties signed a memorandum of understanding today, Sept. 16, which lays the groundwork for continued cooperation in this area.

In the memorandum, VR, LÍV, and SVÞ agree to establish a working group composed of representatives from both labor and employer sides. The group’s mandate will include identifying the challenges and risks facing shop employees in their workplaces.

The working group will also compile a summary of measures already adopted by companies, along with procedures and best practices that could benefit other businesses and their employees. In addition, the group will develop a list of recommendations and ideas for alternative responses or procedures that may help combat violence in retail environments.The working group is expected to complete its work by the end of October 2025. VR, LÍV, and SVÞ will use its findings as the foundation for further collaboration and discussions with government authorities.

In a 2023 survey conducted by VR among its members, 54% said they had experienced harassment or violence in the workplace during their careers. The results were similar among sales and shop assistants. (Read more about the survey here.)

See the memorandum here.