Attacks on shopworkers nearly double during the pandemic
Figures show an alarming rise in physical and verbal abuse, and threats of violence toward those on the frontline
New figures show 8 in 10 shopworkers say levels of abuse they've faced has increased during the coronavirus pandemic.
A survey for USDAW found big increases in violence and threats of violence toward staff doing their jobs across the UK.
- 88% of those surveyed experienced verbal abuse.
- 60% were threatened by a customer.
- 9% were assaulted.
Around one in 20 shop staff were physically attacked in 2019. That figure was closer to one in 10 during the pandemic.
Brandon works in a supermarket in the South West. He has had somebody threaten to punch him whilst working in lockdown.
"We are human beings. We have turned up to work to do our part. We have worked throughout this pandemic. It's just a case of remembering while you have frustrations with the company and policies, we are not responsible for that. We are just told to enforce the rules we have to enforce."
WATCH: USDAW General Secretary Paddy Lillis speaks to Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle about the increase in shop attacks.
Why are attacks on shopworkers increasing?
Many of the factors found to trigger abuse were related to the coronavirus pandemic, including social restrictions and its wider effects.
Around one in four cases was down to staff trying to enforce social distancing.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis says: “Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.
"It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and nearly one in ten assaulted.
"We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job."
What is being done to protect workers?
Stores are taking their own steps to increase security, but there are calls for a new law that specifically protects shopworkers.
One has already been introduced in Scotland, but a bill going through Parliament that would see the same rules in England has been delayed.
Paddy Lillis adds: “The UK Government has persistently opposed new legislation, offering little more than sympathy and objecting to the Alex Norris protection of shopworkers bill in the House of Commons.
"However, we had a great result for our members in Scotland, as MSPs voted through ground-breaking legislation to give shopworkers the protection they deserve.
"We are now looking for MPs to support key workers across the retail sector and help turn around the UK Government’s opposition.”
How has the government responded?
A Government spokesperson said:
“It is completely unacceptable to threaten or assault retail staff, not least when they are working so hard to keep vital services running.
“The Sentencing Council has set out guidelines that mean courts should be increasing sentences for assaults committed against those providing a service to the public, including shop workers.
“The Home Office has set out plans to crack down on abuse and violence against shopworkers to help with the reporting of these crimes and support for victims, and we are working closely with retailers and the British Retail Consortium on this.”