Retail union adds to pressure to bring in new law to protect shopworkers

The government has indicated that it believes current laws on assault and violence should provide sufficient legal protection, without the need for new legislation.

The debate follows what Usdaw calls “a shocking upsurge in violence and abuse”.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “We remain disappointed and frustrated that the government has still not committed to a simple standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, to encourage prosecutions and provide the deterrent effect that our members are desperately looking for.

“There needs to be a clear message that assaulting or abusing someone working to serve the public is totally unacceptable.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted.

“Retail workers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.

“At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused. Action to protect shopworkers is needed.”

Usdaw added that last month saw the Scottish Parliament introduce a new law to protect shopworkers, which it would like to see reflected in England.

Usdaw’s annual survey found 90% of retail staff have experienced verbal abuse, 70% have been threatened and 14% assaulted.