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Original poster

Staff searches at work

87 replies

Meopham · 14/04/2018 22:24

Dd has just got back from her job she started a couple of weeks ago. They have random staff searches there, and I was a bit taken aback about it! Who else works in a shop, and has to be searched?

OP posts:
peachypetite · 14/04/2018 22:25

I worked at boots as a student and we had our bags searched before leaving.

BakedBeans47 · 14/04/2018 22:26

I worked in Debenhams as a student over 20 years ago and we had bag searches then. We weren’t even allowed bags in our lockers they had to be checked in with security at the back door and yet they were still searched. I imagine it’s standard practice in retail

Wolfiefan · 14/04/2018 22:28

Common in sports direct I think.

alltoomuchrightnow · 14/04/2018 22:29

I posted about this recently as shop I last worked in do random searches while you are working (and also when you leave each night but the late ones are expected...we'd all line up nightly to be searched) During the random one they found my car key and said I wasn't allowed it. When I worked at Boots I was also bag searched but in this last job it was clothing searched (inc in my shoes) which is how they found my key in my pocket.
I understand the need for searches as it's part of 'shrink' (retail speak for loss protection) and can protect staff, however I was pretty narked to be told I couldn't have my car key

Original poster
Meopham · 14/04/2018 22:31

My dd said she had to have bag searched, empty pockets, take shoes off as well as undo trousers to make sure nothing was hidden in her waistband!

OP posts:
TheQueenOfWands · 14/04/2018 22:31

Christ, I'd leave!

If an employer doesn't trust me then they don't have to employ me but I wouldn't put up with having my personal property searched. No way!

GreenVelvetwithfrills · 14/04/2018 22:31

Years had this in a job as a six former, along with regular staff, and I found it insulting for all of us, to be honest. (Bag searches)

GreenVelvetwithfrills · 14/04/2018 22:33

The undo waistband thing, would make me leave the job, I wouldn’t think that would be legal. I think that would be classed as an intimate search. I would contact HR, or head office.

Cantspell2 · 14/04/2018 22:33

We have random searches. When we sign out at the end of a shift we have a button to press a green is no search, a red is a search bags, empty pockets and slip off shoes.
No one can leave without being signed out and pressing the button.

MoistCantaloupe · 14/04/2018 22:33

It’s really common. It didn’t bother me when I worked in shops at uni

AndhowcouldIeverrefuse · 14/04/2018 22:33

I don't get it, what's wrong with car keys ?? Confused Sorry to be naive!

piebarm · 14/04/2018 22:36

Worked for 6 different retailers, all searched -it's just part of the job

Cantspell2 · 14/04/2018 22:38

Don’t blame the retailer. Blame the thieving bastards who make it necessary.

notangelinajolie · 14/04/2018 22:40

Worked at a big telecoms call centre. Security randomly searched the boots of staff's vehicles when leaving.

TalkinPeece · 14/04/2018 22:40

I have worked inside HM Customs areas where searches were the norm
I've worked on MOD bases where searches are the norm
I've audited research places where searches are the norm
its not personal
its business

LeighaJ · 14/04/2018 22:40

Meopham

"My dd said she had to have bag searched, empty pockets, take shoes off as well as undo trousers to make sure nothing was hidden in her waistband!"

I've worked at 4 retail shops in the past, only one didn't do a quick bag check at the end of night which I found odd tbh. I've never had a single one ask me to empty pockets, take my shoes off, or undo my trousers, that's completely unacceptable imo.

Heismyopendoor · 14/04/2018 22:42

Used to work in currys and we were searched every time we left the building, looked in handbags and metal detector thing waved over you. We also had to declare what cash we had with us, iPods, phones etc.

ShinyShooney · 14/04/2018 22:42

Bag searched every time we leave store- reality is we open and flash bag at other colleagues.

Locker and uniform searches are random but probably only once every 3 months.

It's to protect staff as much as too look for them stealing stuff. When stocktake shows xx amount missing, the store doesn't even have to think about maybe staff have taken it.

PeterIanStaker · 14/04/2018 22:43

It is standard in retail to check bags and pockets, and no personal belongings in pockets during work time etc is the norm too. Undoing trousers is absolutely not OK though.

HarrietSchulenberg · 14/04/2018 22:45

I worked in a peanut butter factory where we had bag searches before leaving in case we were sneaking bags of nuts out with us. The nuts we came into contact with were all out of date bags from supermarkets so hardly valuable stuff. Nevertheless, I believe it was common for some staff to stuff them in their bras to eat at home (innocent whistle).

Original poster
Meopham · 14/04/2018 22:59

The undo waistband thing, would make me leave the job, I wouldn’t think that would be legal
Well, its in her contract which she signed, so I guess that makes it legal

OP posts:
Nickynackynoodle · 14/04/2018 23:02

It’s not an intimate search but it would make me uncomfortable.
What type of shop is it OP?

Original poster
Meopham · 14/04/2018 23:03

What type of shop is it OP?
It's a jewellers.

OP posts:
Slitherout · 14/04/2018 23:06

Well, its in her contract which she signed, so I guess that makes it legal

No, fortunately if it wasn't legal to start with the fact it's in her contract and she signed it means nothing. You can't subject someone to intimate searches even if they signed the contract unless you're obeying the law.

snewname · 14/04/2018 23:09

If you've got nothing to worry about then it shouldn't be a problem if it's protocol. I admit I would hate it though. But I see why it's necessary.