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London's frontline staff need your support - mayor

Victoria CookLondon
TfL A poster with hands up saying "we won't stand for abuse of TfL staff"TfL
Posters are regularly displayed across the TfL network warning against abuse of staff

Londoners have been urged to support frontline workers such as healthcare and transport staff, and those working in the hospitality and retail sectors, as reports of public abuse rise.

New polling conducted by the Greater London Authority (GLA), showed that, out of 1,000 people interviewed, more than a third thought transport workers are treated negatively by the public.

A quarter said the same for retail and hospitality workers, and more than a fifth (22%) felt the same for healthcare workers.

City Hall has released an advertising campaign across the capital, encouraging support of the workers and to relay that message that workplace violence is "completely unacceptable".

London City Hall A number 47 bus drives past a pink and yellow sign from the campaign. Three people walk along a pavement beneath the signLondon City Hall
City Hall has released an advertising campaign encouraging support of frontline workers

The campaign includes a tribute to London's frontline workers by author and poet David Larbi that will be shown across the transport network, and across the city, as well as online.

Abuse statistics

  • The Royal College of Nursing reported a 78% increase in reports of racist abuse towards nursing staff across the UK from 2022 to 2025
  • The British Retail Consortium reported 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers every day across the UK in 2025, with almost a third of Londoners reporting witnessing violence or abuse against retail workers while shopping
  • TfL has reported a 28% increase in incidents of violence and aggression against bus drivers and rail operating staff so far in 2025-2026 compared to 2023-2024
NHS A poster saying "no excuse for abuse", showing frontline workers NHS
Previous NHS campaigns have warned against abusive language against staff

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "Our frontline workers are the very heart of our capital - keeping us moving, caring for us when we get ill and looking after so many of our needs."

The mayor added that despite the vital role frontline workers played during the Covid-19 pandemic, there had been a "disgraceful rise in abuse" since then.

"These are human beings trying to do a hugely important job and it's shameful that they are facing such treatment," Sir Sadiq said.

He added: "I'm calling on all Londoners and visitors to play their part by standing up for diversity, equality and decency, and showing that our capital will always be a place for everyone."

The mayor's campaign, titled Loved and Wanted, has been welcomed by unions representing many of the frontline workers.

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