SHOPWORKERS
POLICING BILL HOUSE OF
Good Lords, nothing doing here MPs have remarkably spurned the latest opportunity to offer shopworkers improved protection, leaving a promised Lords amendment as the next chance to deliver
D
much-needed support for retail staff.
espite enormous pressure from across the retail industry, MPs have rejected an amendment to the Government’s flagship policing bill, which would have provided greater protection for shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse. The amendment was voted down on Monday evening, leading to huge disappointment in all corners of the local retailing sector. It was defeated by 350 votes to 233 and another clause looking to bring in similar provisions was withdrawn. Shopworkers trade union Usdaw said its members were “gutted” by the result of the vote and General Secretary Paddy Lillis has now called on the Government to deliver on a promised Lords amendment. Lillis said: “[On Monday] MPs had the opportunity to back a new law to protect shopworkers, which is supported by our members, customers and retailers. We are deeply disappointed that they let that opportunity pass them by at a time when our members are facing unprecedented levels of violence, threats and abuse. “However, the Minister promised twice during the debate that they would bring forward an amendment in the House of Lords and we urge the Government to keep to their word and ensure that the measure they bring forward will be substantial and deliver much-needed protections. “When retail employers, leading retail bodies, the public and the shopworkers’ trade union call for legislation, it is time
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for the Government and MPs to listen. In Scotland, MSPs voted through a new ground-breaking law to give workers the protection they deserve. “We are now looking for the UK Government to end their opposition and deliver on their promise.”
