Retail Violence

RESPECT FOR SHOPWORKERS WEEK

No confidence in reporting instances of on-the-job abuse

Usdaw survey finds 89% of shopworkers have experienced verbal abuse in the past year.

Almost half of shopworkers are not confident that reporting abuse will make a difference, according to new research from trade union Usdaw.

The statistics from the union’s annual survey of 3,500 retail workers, released to mark Respect for Shopworkers Week (15-21 November), shows that in the past 12 months:

● 89% have experienced verbalabuse.

● 64% were threatened by acustomer.

● 11% were assaulted.

● 46% said they were not confidentthat reporting abuse, threats andviolence will make a difference.

● 7% of those who had beenassaulted did not report theincident.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “It is shocking that nine in 10 of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. So it is extremely worrying that over half are not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference.

“The new protection of workers law in Scotland is welcome and we urge the UK Government to extend it to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The alarm bells are ringing and it is time for the government to make a difference. They can act quickly by supporting the Lords protection of workers amendments to their flagship policing bill.”

Throughout Respect for Shopworkers Week, Usdaw reps, activists and officials are raising awareness of the year-round Freedom from Fear Campaign, talking to the public at street stalls and in shops to promote a message of ‘respect for shopworkers’.