House of Lords looking at new legal protection for abused shop staff

The statistics, which come out on the day that the House of Lords is debating new measures to protect shopworkers, include one indicating that 89% of those working in shops have been verbally abused.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of staff report being threatened by a customer, 11% have been assaulted and 49% said that they were not confident that reporting anything will make any difference.

Even when physically assaulted, 7% said that they did not report it.

In the Lords today (17 November), peers are discussing two amendments to the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

The government has hesitated to include the amendments on the grounds that existing law is sufficient, but has recently said it would look at the possibility.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis 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.

“So far, we have only heard ministers’ warm words for our members, who far too often face violence, threats and abuse.

“It is a step in the right direction that the government has now signed up to the International Labour Organisation convention on violence and harassment, but action is required.

“They have the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their commitment by backing the protection of shopworkers amendments in the Lords today.

“When retail employers, leading retail bodies, the Home Affairs Select Committee and the shopworkers’ trade union jointly call for legislation, it is time for the government to listen.

“In Scotland, MSPs voted through a new ground-breaking law to give shopworkers the protection they deserve, which came into force in August.

“We are now looking for the House of Lords to similarly support key workers across the retail sector, who regularly suffer violence and abuse.”