Call for laws to be toughened to prevent shopworker abuse

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane is joining retail union Usdaw in a call for the government to protect retail staff after a dramatic rise in attacks since the start of Covid-19.

Statistics released by the union today (10 March) show that 8 out of 10 (79%) of retail workers say abuse has worsened during the pandemic.

The data from Usdaw’s consultation with 2,729 shopworkers across the UK also found that over the last 12 months:

·         88% experienced verbal abuse

·         6% were threatened by a customer

·         9% were assaulted

David is now making a renewed call for urgent legislation to protect retail workers who he says have been vital on the Covid frontline.

“I am appalled that the tensions and frustrations that our communities have faced over the last year have spilled onto our high streets and supermarkets.

“Dedicated retail workers are putting themselves and their families at risk every day to ensure we have access to essential supplies; they deserve to be treated with respect, not abused or attacked.

“The government needs to step in and bring in urgent laws to protect our retail heroes before it’s too late.”

Attacks on shopworkers can have a long lasting effect like it did to 58-year-old supermarket worker, John Jackson, who was attacked in his place of work in Congleton.

While stacking the shelves in store, John was pushed by a customer which left him shaken and suffering bruising on his arm. He says other colleagues have been spat at by customers.

“The pandemic has definitely raised the tensions of customers shopping in the store. Some don’t like being asked to wear a mask or get frustrated if products are out of stock.

“Luckily, our management team and the union have been very supportive. We also have a good relationship with our local police team and have regular visits from our local PCSO.”

Late last year, the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee launched an inquiry into the issue after Usdaw secured more than 100,000 signatures on a ‘protect shopworkers’ petition.

A private members bill to protect shopworkers by Alex Norris MP was rejected by the House of Commons ahead of its second reading earlier this year.

However, in January, the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted for a ground-breaking new law to protect shopworkers.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and nearly one in ten assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.”

The full Usdaw report can be downloaded from:

www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2020

Pictured - Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane.