Usdaw runs week-long push to highlight scale of abuse faced by retail staff

During the week to 29 August, union members, reps and activists will be raising awareness of the Freedom from Fear message, talking to the public at street stalls and promoting a theme of “respect for shopworkers”.

That will be backed up with campaigns in workplaces to get the message across.

The union’s latest survey covering nearly 2,000 retail staff shows that in the last 12 months 92% experienced verbal abuse, 70% were threatened by a shopper and 14% were assaulted.

However, the survey reveals that just one in five victims said they never reported an incident to their employer.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Once again, our members are telling us that some people have responded to this appalling pandemic by abusing shopworkers.

“At a time when we should all be working together to get through this national crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves are being abused.

“The number of staff who do not report incidents is very worrying. I totally understand why they may feel it won’t make a difference, but my message to shopworkers is incredibly clear: abuse is not a part of the job.

“It is really important that staff tell their manager when they experience violence, threats or abuse. If they report it, we can help to sort it.”

The campaign coincides with the new protection of workers law coming into force in Scotland today (24 August). “Government action to protect shopworkers is needed.

“We welcome the new law in Scotland, but are deeply disappointed that the UK government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected. They deserve the protection of the law.

“Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The government has promised they would bring forward an amendment to its flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.

“Whatever they propose must be substantial and deliver much needed protections.”