Retailers back petition against abuse of shopworkers

Retail employers and Usdaw had provided significant evidence to the government about the scale of assaults and abuse of shopworkers, which was already rising and has become much worse during the pandemic. The government’s response was to propose some measures that are welcomed, but they stopped short of new legislation, so Usdaw is continuing to campaign for a law to protect shopworkers.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Local shops are a lifeline for the communities that they serve, and this has been particularly evident during the Covid-19 crisis where our colleagues have worked tirelessly to ensure that they can continue to feed their customers. It is unacceptable that our colleagues are facing violence and abuse whilst trying to do their job, these incidents are devastating for the colleagues affected.

“Enough is enough, we need the government to take effective and urgent action to protect shop workers and send a clear message to perpetrators that violent and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, added: “I’m deeply concerned about the lasting impact of abuse on shopworkers, both mentally and physically. That’s why I’ve been calling for greater protection to be written into legislation for shopworkers, through the creation of a specific offence that would carry greater penalties for violence and abuse.

“As valued key workers, it is important that we send a signal throughout our society that this is unacceptable to treat them this way. It’s time to draw a line in the sand – and by taking legislative action, government can show that they have listened and acted upon the concerns that I know are shared right the way across the retail sector.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “I urge the government not to dismiss my petition, but to listen to the voices of shop workers and employers by legislating for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers. They have talked about zero-tolerance, but that means very little if it is not backed up by strong actions.

“The measures the government have agreed are worth trying and we hope that they can make a real difference. However, they would be much more likely to succeed if backed up with new legislation; a simple standalone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, CPS, the judiciary and most importantly criminals.”

The petition can be signed at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/328621.