Call for government action as store staff suffer rise in violence

They made their call as political parties lock horns in the general election campaign. The organisations want politicians to bring forward legislation to protect store staff from attacks in the workplace.

The issue was raised as part of the Respect for Shopworkers Week and following the launch of the BRC’s retail manifesto, which demanded policies to deal with the crime afflicting retail and which costs the industry £1bn.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “When the retail employers and the shopworkers’ trade union come together with one voice for greater legal protection for shopworkers, we hope the politicians are listening.

“This disturbing increase in violence against shopworkers, alongside continued high levels of threats and abuse, demands urgent action from the next government. Our members working in retail feel exposed and on the front line and we are extremely concerned that limited police resources mean that so many shopworkers never see a police patrol.”

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Everyone deserves to go to work free from fear. The latest retail crime statistics are shocking. This is not a victimless crime – those targeted with threats and abuse carry those experiences with them for a lifetime. It affects not just hardworking shopworkers, but also their families and communities.

“Politics is meant to be about helping people. We hope that every politician elected this December will support our call for stiffer penalties for those who abuse or assault shop staff. Violence against shopworkers remains one of the most pressing issues retailers face and the next government must take action to stamp it out.”