Xscape Milton Keynes is enhancing its commitment to staff wellbeing by introducing free training for retail workers. This initiative aims to equip employees with the skills needed to handle challenging interactions and build resilience against abuse.
Expanded Support Programme
The centre is participating in an expanded partnership between its owner, Landsec, and the Retail Trust. This collaboration follows a successful pilot programme conducted in 2025 across four Landsec shopping destinations.
The Retail Trust’s ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign provided essential resilience and de-escalation training during the pilot. This training helped retail employees gain confidence in managing difficult customer encounters and recovering from stressful incidents.
This month marks the expansion of this vital support to an additional 13 Landsec locations throughout the United Kingdom. Xscape Milton Keynes is among these new locations, ensuring that staff across the country, from Glasgow down to Milton Keynes, can access these resources.
Staff at the original four pilot sites will continue to receive ongoing training and resources as part of the extended programme.
Digital Tools for Safety
All individuals working within Landsec’s shopping destinations will gain access to new online resources provided by the Retail Trust. These tools will be available via the Landsec Protect app.
The app is designed to assist staff in staying safe, responding effectively to difficult situations, and managing the aftermath of negative interactions.
Specific guidance addresses issues such as antisocial behaviour, being filmed without consent, and the risks of being targeted after a shift.
Fostering a Respectful Environment
Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, highlighted the importance of supporting the staff who contribute daily to the centre’s vibrancy.
He stated that ensuring employees feel valued, safe, and confident is a key priority for the centre.
Mr. Murphy explained that the partnership with the Retail Trust and its ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign offers practical and meaningful support.
This initiative also helps cultivate a workplace culture where mutual support and looking out for one another are integral to daily operations.
Investing in the centre’s employees, he added, contributes to a more positive atmosphere for the teams, the numerous retail partners, and all visitors.
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive of the Retail Trust, acknowledged the lasting impact of unkind and aggressive behaviour on retail workers.
He noted that staff often worry about situations like being filmed by shoppers or facing hostility outside of work hours.
The Retail Trust is collaborating with Landsec to provide enhanced support to thousands of staff across its leisure and shopping destinations.
The campaign also serves as a reminder to the millions of shoppers to treat all retail staff with respect.
Mr. Brook-Carter emphasised that creating kinder and more respectful shopping environments is a collective responsibility.
He believes the ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign will underscore how simple gestures, like a greeting or a smile, can significantly impact individuals facing daily hostility in their jobs.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM