Shop workers in the South West regularly face threats and verbal abuse

Retail trade union USDAW has found almost 70% of retail workers in the South West regularly face verbal abuse.

This comes after 4,000 workers responded to a survey in aid to spread awareness for ‘respect for workers week.’

The results from the survey found over 45% of staff members felt threatened by customers.

Almost 20% said they have been assaulted in the last year.

These are some of the responses from shop workers in the South West:

"A customer threw their shopping at me and then their basket, other times I've been sworn at.”

“A shoplifter punched me in my chest.”

“A customer spat in my face because we've moved the cheese.”

Udsaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis said: "It is shocking that over two-thirds of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

"Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by theft from shops, which is clearly the result of a 31% increase in police recorded shoplifting across the South West over the year to June."

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