Sadiq Khan calls for support for London frontline workers after rise in abuse
Frontline workers across London are facing growing levels of abuse, with new figures highlighting increasing incidents affecting transport staff, NHS employees and retail workers.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued a public message of support through his Loved and Wanted campaign, which was launched last year to celebrate London’s diversity in the face of rising fear, hatred and division, both online and on the capital’s streets.
As part of the campaign, a tribute created by author and poet David Larbi will appear across the transport network, on advertising sites across London, through partner organisations and on social media, recognising the contribution frontline workers make to life in the capital.
The campaign follows a series of concerning trends. Reports of racist abuse towards nursing staff across the UK have increased by 78 per cent, while more than a quarter of NHS staff in London say they have experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse from members of the public.
Retail workers continue to face significant challenges. Across the UK, there were 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers every day during 2025. Polling also found that almost a third of Londoners have witnessed violence or abuse directed at retail staff while shopping.
Transport workers have experienced a similar rise in hostility. Incidents of violence and aggression against bus drivers and rail operating staff have increased by 28 per cent so far this year compared with 2023/24.
New polling published alongside the campaign found that 37 per cent of Londoners believe transport workers are treated negatively by the public. A quarter said the same about retail and hospitality workers, while 22 per cent felt healthcare workers receive negative treatment.
The findings also suggest many Londoners do not believe frontline staff receive sufficient appreciation. Only 25 per cent felt retail and hospitality workers are thanked enough all or most of the time, while 22 per cent said the same for transport workers. Four in ten respondents believed healthcare workers receive enough thanks from the public.
The Mayor said the campaign is intended to show frontline workers they are loved, wanted and valued, while reinforcing that abuse and aggression towards workers will not be tolerated.
Alongside the campaign, City Hall has committed a record £16 million to combat hatred, intolerance and extremism and to support grassroots organisations working within communities across London.
Earlier this year, the Mayor and Transport for London brought together transport leaders, frontline staff, police representatives and trade unions for a summit focused on reducing violence, abuse and intimidation directed at transport workers.
TfL’s response has included body-worn video for frontline staff, CCTV improvements, enhanced policing and communications campaigns designed to improve staff safety across the network.
How should London better protect frontline workers facing abuse while serving the public across the capital? Read more London news, transport updates and city reporting from EyeOnLondon.
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