Scottish retailers make immediate use of new law on shopworker assaults

By Éilis Cronin in Industry News 10th January 2022

Nearly 300 cases of abuse against shop staff were reported in Scotland within three months of a new law to protect retail workers being passed.

The figures cover the period between 24 August and 30 November last year and have been produced by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre. The Protection of Workers Act came into force in August.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), a strong supporter of the new law, said that it continues to encourage retailers to report all retail crime to the police.

Dr John Lee, the organisation’s head of policy, said: “The message is getting out loud and clear that it’s unacceptable for anyone to threaten or abuse Scotland’s retail workers. Those responsible will be punished.

“While every incident is one too many, the statistics show that the Protection of Workers Act is effective, is much needed and that store owners and their staff are unafraid to use it.

“What’s more, it’s reassuring to see how serious Police Scotland are treating the complaints made, with every incident reported either having been investigated or under active investigation.

“This gives retailers confidence that these crimes are being taken seriously.”

The law has also been backed by shopworkers union Usdaw (Union of shop, distributive and allied workers).

Its general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said that while he was pleased that so many incidents had been reported he wanted “the government, police and retailers to continue to promote the new law”.

He added: “Usdaw’s message to members has long been ‘Report it to sort it’, so we welcome that the new law in Scotland is encouraging reporting.

“However, it is a disgrace that retail staff are still suffering too many incidents of violence, threats and abuse from a significant minority of customers and we continue to urge the shopping public to respect shopworkers.

“Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus.

“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.

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