One in 10 shopworkers assaulted during pandemic
Union bosses are urging us to respect retail workers
Nearly one in 10 shopworkers in the South East of England have been assaulted by customers.
That's according to latest research from the shopworkers' union - which is asking us to respect our retail workers.
Just over three quarters (76%) of shop workers say that incidents of violence, threats, and abuse have been worse during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research from the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw).
In fact, 85% have experienced verbal abuse, 57% have been threatened by a customer, and almost one in ten (9%) have been assaulted so far this year.
In Sussex, reports of incidents ranged from staff being backed into corners by customers to being struck by sticks for trying to enforce social distancing rules in stores.
One customer gave a Nazi salute to a worker after being told to follow directional arrows placed on the floor of one retail store.
Usdaw has revealed the figures to promote the parliamentary petition calling for Government to create legislation to protect shopworkers, which has now reached more than 80,000 signatures.
Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of the union, said it was 'heartbreaking' to hear so many testimonies from workers across the South East:
"Abuse should never be a part of the job and we are appalled that three-quarters of retail staff say abuse has been worse during this appalling national pandemic.
"At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused.
“We were deeply disappointed by the Government’s response to the petition, offering little more than sympathy, so we continue to campaign for the 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a parliamentary debate.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members and their local communities. Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be just a part of the job. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”