Without doubt, there is a period of opportunity to act and address the challenges that we face from the devastating economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

houses of parliament

We are at this crossroads as Parliament reopens and it is clear the priority has to be on helping the UK recover.

Yet, Parliament also has an opportunity to acknowledge the vital role that shopworkers have played in supporting communities, particularly the vulnerable, during the crisis. As we think about positive change to build on the learnings of the past 12 months, there is an opportunity to legislate to protect these vital key workers.

We all recognise that retail is a dynamic and competitive industry, but we have collaborated throughout the pandemic in ways we would previously have not thought possible. While competition remains stiff, we are all united by the same wish – to protect and care for our colleagues.

The Co-op has joined forces with other supermarkets, unions and retail associations to champion the cause of colleague safety against a rising tide of violence and abuse against shopworkers.

For too long retail crime has been talked about as a crime with a monetary cost, but it is violence and aggression against an individual – someone’s son, daughter, mother or father.

We can always replace stock, but it’s not as easy to repair the impact on a colleague – and the true cost is the devastating impact on retail workers’ mental health.

The stats behind the violence and assaults

The abuse has led to instances of post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical injuries that violent offences can cause – all of which is also impacting the sector’s ability to retain talent. And the pandemic has seen an alarming increase in abuse, threats and actual violence towards colleagues.

As an example, information shared from my own business shows that in the first quarter of 2021, the Co-op has been subject to almost 400 incidents where weapons have been used against shopworkers, with more than half of those involving either sharp implements, such as a syringe, knife or a bottle.

Co op food

Last year Co-op saw a 76% increase in physical attacks and a 9% increase in anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse compared to 2019. That equates to almost 120 incidents every single day. We know this is a pattern repeated with other retailers, too.

In the latest Crime Survey issued by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the trade body reported that almost nine in ten (89%) of those working in local shops had experienced some kind of abuse.

Frontline retail workers should be given greater protection, enshrining in law that it is morally and socially unacceptable to abuse, or worse threaten or harm, a shopworker.

Whilst the retail sector is competitive, we are all united in the need for action to be taken by those in Westminster.

From alcohol and cigarettes to knives and acid, the sale of more than 50 types of products is now restricted by law. The single biggest instance of attacks is when shopworkers enforce these laws by challenging and verifying the age of those who want to buy age-restricted products, or when refusing to sell alcohol to customers who are drunk.

Nobody should face violence at work, and we have a particular responsibility to protect those who put themselves on the line to enforce the law.

Together, we want to secure stronger protections for shopworkers and support tougher penalties against those who assault or threaten them. Offenders should be liable to a longer prison sentence, reflecting the fact that their victim was, at the time of the assault, acting in the public interest. It is a protection that already applies to many NHS staff and emergency workers. 

The majority of the British public also feel the same. Research shows that they view shopworkers as having provided an essential service during the pandemic. The ACS research reveals that four out of five of the British public agreed with the need for greater sentences for offenders who are violent and abusive towards shopworkers.

Scotland leading the way for worker protection

I was delighted to see the Scottish Parliament pass Daniel Johnson MSP’s bill, which now provides greater support and protection for shopworkers in Scotland. However, we must continue to stand together as retailers to press for change across the rest of the UK so that all retail workers are provided with the same level of protection that they deserve.

Experts have reviewed the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the White paper, ‘A Smarter Approach to Sentencing’, and have determined that it offers clear opportunities for the UK government to follow Scotland’s lead to legislate and protect.

Stiffer sentencing will send out a clear message that criminal behaviour in our communities will not be tolerated by society, and importantly lets shopworkers – who have gone to amazing lengths to serve and care for communities throughout the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic – know that they are being listened to and taken seriously.

Assaults and abuse should not be part of the job. I truly hope MPs listen to their constituents and act to protect them and bring about change.