REVEALED: Four assaults on NI shop workers every single day
Shock report highlights extent of verbal and physical abuse
Last updated 30th Apr 2019
Shop workers across Northern Ireland are either verbally or physically abused an average of 23 times a year, shock new figures reveal today (Tuesday).
That is an incredible four assaults every day
Shop workers' trade union Usdaw released the shocking statistics from its annual survey, that shows the true extent of the daily abuse levelled at retail workers.
In 2018 alone, 54% or workers surveyed in Northern Ireland were verbally abused, while 31% experienced threats.
In response, the ‘Freedom From Fear’ Campaign has been launched to highlight the true crux of the problem.
Usdaw says the campaign also proves employers need more support to help under-fire workers.
The Government has recently opened a 'call for evidence', following pressure from the union.
The aim of this call for evidence is to enable the Government to understand the true scale of the issue of violence and abuse toward shop staff, the measures which may help prevent these crimes and the extent to which existing legislation is being used to tackle them; and to identify examples of best practice.
To have your say on the consultation click here.