Retailers write to PM over pandemic-fuelled increase in store violence

The letter calls for the government “to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and improve protection for our employees by creating a new statutory offence of assaulting, threatening or abusing a retail worker”. This legislation would toughen sentences for those who are violent or abusive towards shopworkers, deter future perpetrators, and ensure shopworkers feel safer at work.

The letter comes in response to a recent survey conducted by the BRC, which found that of “essential” retailers, who are currently allowed to be open, 100% of respondents have seen an increase in verbal abuse.

In addition, two-thirds of respondents reported an increase in the number of incidents of physical violence against staff during the current lockdown. All retailers who reported a rise in verbal or violent attacks said that the enforcement of Covid restrictions was the key factor.

One leading retailer reported 990 incidents of violence or abuse in the first week after face coverings became compulsory in shops in including incidents of coughing and spitting.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The recent surge in violence should serve as a wake-up call for government. Retail workers are playing a vital role during the biggest public health crisis of our time – ensuring everyone has access to the items they need and keeping stores safe for customers and colleagues.

“And, at what cost? They have been coughed at, spat on, racially abused, threatened with weapons, the list goes on. No one should go to work fearing for their safety, and we hope the prime minister will play his part by introducing a new offence for abusing, threatening and assaulting a retail worker.”

NFRN national president, Stuart Reddish, added: “Independent retailers have been and continue to be at the frontline during this crisis, and have to deal with physical and verbal threats on a near-daily basis for simply doing their jobs. These are not victimless crimes – they have a serious impact on people who have been injured or experienced psychological trauma, as well as their families and the communities they serve.

“The time has come for the government to take immediate action and toughen the law to protect shopworkers across the whole of the UK.”

The letter was signed by Aldi, Asda Stores, Association of Convenience Stores, BIRA, Central England Co-operative, Costcutter Supermarkets, Iceland Foods, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, NFRN, Post Office, Sainsbury’s, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, Scottish Midland Co-operative Society, Spar UK, The Co-operative Group, Usdaw, Waitrose, WHSmith, and Morrisons.