Scottish wholesalers urge businesses to #BeKindToWholesale

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The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has launched a #BeKindToWholesale campaign in response to recent incidents of “unacceptable abuse” towards wholesale staff including delivery drivers, telesales, and credit control teams.

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The campaign aims to highlight that wholesalers are operating under stressful conditions.

Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “After an enormously difficult year for everyone concerned, including those in the wholesale supply chain, it is more important than ever before that everyone is kind and respectful to one another.

“Sadly, as the official trade association for Scotland’s food and drink wholesaling businesses, we are becoming increasingly aware that our members too are facing some disappointing levels of aggression.”

Smith said that he was “horrified” when SWA members relayed the recent experiences of staff who have been shouted and sworn at by customers who are angry that deliveries are late and some goods are out of stock.

He added: “Wholesalers are faced with product supply shortages and price increases from manufacturers and importers as a consequence of Brexit, increased demand, staff shortages, and factories not yet running at full capacity. Our members are also experiencing a chronic shortage of wholesale staff available for warehouse picking and drivers for making deliveries. Add to the equation longer turnaround times due to adhering to the various Covid restrictions – including the ‘spaces for people’ diversions and parking restrictions which all add time and complexity to delivery planning schedules – and this is a very challenging time.

“So, while wholesalers are working tirelessly to get the ‘wheels’ to you, we ask that customers recognise that this may mean tempering your expectations, understanding why the service is perhaps not quite what you are used to or expect and, crucially, not venting your frustrations on the hardworking staff who are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability in very trying circumstances.”