Scottish government to support Protection of Workers Bill

The Bill, brought forward by Edinburgh South MSP Daniel Johnson, will give shop staff additional legal protection when carrying out their work, particularly in relation to assault or abuse in relation to a mandatory activity such as requesting ID for age-restricted products.

The stage 1 vote, which takes place on 24 September, will see MSPs decide on whether to accept the general principles of the bill. If the bill receives the necessary support it will then move forward to stage 2 where it will undergo detailed scrutiny and debate with any potential amendments also being considered.

Johnson said: “I’m delighted to see the Scottish government have agreed to support my bill at stage 1 next week, adding their backing to this important issue along with trade unions and retail groups across the country. Dialogue with ministers in recent weeks has been useful in identifying understanding on this important issue.

“Passing my bill into law will provide important recognition of the key duty shopworkers have upholding the law and the issues they face doing so. Most critically, the pandemic has seen people working in retail performing critical roles, supplying the basic essentials to all of us and keeping us safe as we do so. This bill pays an important tribute to these efforts over the last six months.”

Scottish Grocers’ Federation has welcomed the decision. Policy manager Luke McGarty, added: “We are delighted that the Scottish government in a letter to the Scottish Parliaments’ Justice Committee has announced its intention to support the Protection of Workers Bill at the forthcoming stage 1 vote. Serious in-store retail crime is not going away and impacts on retailers, their staff, their families, customers and the wider community. The bill represents a unique – perhaps a once in a generation – opportunity to create a safer retail environment.

“SGF is fully behind the bill and is a crucial step in the right direction and we urge MSPs to support it.”

Trade union Usdaw has also welcomed the decision. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, added: “We hope the Scottish Parliament will lead the way on protection of shopworkers by passing this bill. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that people working to keep food on the shelves are being abused and assaulted. Action is required. Our message is clear, abuse is not part of the job.

“Retail staff are key workers delivering essential services and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law. Shops are the cornerstone of our communities and we continue to work with the employers to improve health and safety for staff. We also call on customers to stay calm and respect shopworkers.”