By UK shop workers face record figures of abuse since Covid-19 pandemic began
New statistics have emerged which show 8 in 10 UK shop workers have faced increasing abuse from customers since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
A USDAW (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) survey has found huge increases in violence, threats of violence and verbal abuse towards shop workers, who have been much-needed key workers throughout the pandemic.
A primary reason for the abuse relates to measures introduced as a result of Covid-19, including social distancing and its wider effects. One in four abuse cases occurred as a result of shop staff trying to enforce social distancing.
88 percent of those surveyed have experienced verbal abuse, 60 percent have been threatened by a customer, and 9 percent have been assaulted.
Around one in 10 shop workers have been physically attacked during the pandemic, compared to one in 20 in 2019.
USDAW General Secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shop workers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shop workers’ law.
“It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90 percent of shop workers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and nearly one in ten assaulted.
“We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.”
Although stores are enforcing their own measures to protect their workers and increase security, there are calls for the government to introduce a new law which specifically protects shop workers.
One already exists in Scotland, but a bill going through Parliament that would see the same rules in England has been delayed.
Paddy Lillis adds: “The UK Government has persistently opposed new legislation, offering little more than sympathy and objecting to Alex Norris’ Protection of Shop Workers bill in the House of Commons.
“However, we had a great result for our members in Scotland, as MSPs voted through ground-breaking legislation to give shop workers the protection they deserve.
“We are now looking for MPs to support key workers across the retail sector and help turn around the UK Government’s opposition.”
A Government spokesperson said: “It is completely unacceptable to threaten or assault retail staff, not least when they are working so hard to keep vital services running.
“The Sentencing Council has set out guidelines that mean courts should be increasing sentences for assaults committed against those providing a service to the public, including shop workers.
“The Home Office has set out plans to crack down on abuse and violence against shop workers to help with the reporting of these crimes and support for victims, and we are working closely with retailers and the British Retail Consortium on this.”
