Government objects to a new law to protect shopworkers from assault

The Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill, promoted by Alex Norris MP, was timetabled for its second reading in the House of Commons today, but the government objected to it progressing and is now delayed until Friday 30 October.

Norris tweeted: “Really disappointed that the progress of my Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill has been thwarted today by government objection. Will be back on 30 October for another crack. Watch this space for further details of our campaign.”

Earlier this week 23 major British retailers and the sector’s leading industry bodies wrote to the prime minister asking him to provide effective legal protection for shopworkers in the face of increasing levels of abuse and violence and in support of Norris’ Private Members Bill.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, added: “We were deeply disappointed by the government’s response to our petition, offering little more than sympathy. It adds insult to injury that they today objected to the bill promoted by Alex Norris MP. We thank Alex for his continued support and perseverance on this issue

“I urge the government to listen to the voices of shopworkers and retailers by legislating for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers. If they want to turn their words of sympathy into action, they should support the Bill and help it onto the statute book.”