Crackdown on shop staff attacks gets thumbs up from more retail bodies

Usdaw (Union of shop, distributive and allied workers) says it is looking at the wording of the proposed amendment to the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill to make sure that it will deliver what the government claims.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “After years of campaigning we are pleased to have secured movement from the Government and that they have finally accepted the need to legislate to protect shopworkers from violence at work.

“We are studying the amendment to the Policing Bill and are keen to engage with the Government and politicians from all parties so that our members can be absolutely clear that the provisions in the Bill will deliver the protections they deserve.

“Usdaw members working in retail have for too long been in the firing line of appalling behaviour from a significant minority of customers.

“Nine in ten shopworkers have faced abuse in the last year, with far too many also suffering threats and violence.

“A protection of workers law is long overdue and this could be a step in the right direction.”

NFRN national president Narinder Randhawa said: “Everyone involved in retailing deserves to work in an environment that is safe.

“Sadly, the reality is that theft, vandalism, and physical and verbal attacks are all too familiar for many NFRN members.

“For some considerable time, the NFRN has been calling for the government to get tough on those who assault retail workers.

“News of this amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that will make it an offence to assault anyone providing a public duty is very welcome.”

The amendment will be debated during the report stage of the bill in the House of Lords.

This is expected to take place before Christmas.