Policing Bill Amendment

SHOPWORKERS PROTECTION: HOUSE OF COMMONS

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 MUCH-NEEDED SUPPORT FOR RETAIL STAFF

Despite 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 It was defeated by 350 votes to 233 and another clause looking to bring in similar provisions was withdrawn.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 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.”

PADDY LILLIS, USDAW

“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.” Paddy Lillis, Usdaw

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has also strongly criticised MPs’ decision to vote down the new clause, which would have created a new offence for assaulting a retail worker.

The vote comes just days after the influential Home Affairs Select Committee, led by Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, made a series of recommendations to better protect shopworkers, including the introduction of a new offence for attacking a shopworker.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are disappointed that the Government has again refused to take action to bring to justice those who attack shopworkers. These offences must not be tolerated, and it’s clear that the existing legislation does not go far enough to deter offenders.

JAMES LOWMAN, ACS

“We urge the Government to take forward the recommendations made by the Home Affairs Committee, which include not just a new offence, but a wide range of measures to stop reoffending, intervene with rehabilitation for those with addiction, and increase reporting and response rates.”

Figures from the 2021 ACS Crime Report show that there were over 40,000 violent attacks against people working in convenience stores and 1.1m incidents of theft over the last year, many of which committed by repeat offenders with a drug or alcohol addiction.

The report also shows that there have been over 1.2m incidents of abuse over the last year, which often go unreported.