SAINSBURY’S is to introduce facial recognition in its more than 1,400 UK shops to combat rising theft and abuse of staff.
The supermarket chain — Britain’s second largest — will begin trialling the controversial technology this week.
It is working with facial recognition firm Facewatch — whose technology other retailers use — and said records are instantly deleted if the software does not identify the face of someone reported for criminal behaviour.
But privacy groups have criticised the technology, with Asda facing thousands of complaints after launching its own trial in March.
Sainsbury’s pilot is at a superstore in Sydenham, South East London, and a store in Bath, Somerset.
Boss Simon Roberts said the pilot was “focused solely on identifying serious offenders who have committed acts of violence, aggression, or theft, helping our teams prevent further harm”.
Shopworkers’ union USDAW backed Sainsbury’s as it supported any “responsible, evidence-led approach to tackling retail crime”.
Mr Roberts, added: “We have listened to the deep concerns our colleagues and customers have and they’re right to expect us to act.
“The retail sector is at a crossroads, facing rising abuse, anti-social behaviour and violence. We must put safety first.
“We understand that facial recognition technology can raise valid questions about data and privacy.
“This trial and subsequent roll out is not about monitoring colleagues or our valued customers.
“It’s focused solely on identifying serious offenders who have committed acts of violence, aggression, or theft, helping our teams prevent further harm.”
Joanne Thomas, general secretary of the USDAW union, said: “We welcome Sainsbury’s ongoing programme of work to protect retail workers and customers from the continued threat of abuse and violence in stores.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the trial of facial recognition software and will continue to work closely with Sainsbury’s to support a responsible, evidence-led approach to tackling retail crime.”
Sainsbury’s is to introduce facial recognition in its more than 1,400 UK shops to combat rising theft and abuse of staff[/caption]