SHOP workers have spoken of the horrendous violence, threats and abuse they have faced while working.

Their shocking experiences have been highlighted as part of a new campaign - Freedom from Fear - launched by retail trade union Usdaw as it renews its call for a new protection of workers law. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months: 92 per cent have experienced verbal abuse; 70 per cent were threatened by a customer and 14 per cent were assaulted. Meanwhile, one in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, including five per cent who had been assaulted.

Some of the comments West Yorkshire shop workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey included: “Refused entry to a man as the shop floor was full and at legal limit - he spat in my face and threatened me.”

Another comment left said: “Customer asked if I was stupid when I made a mistake on the till.”

One worker said they had been called names and experienced threats of violence. From North Yorkshire, comments included: “Customers feel they have the right to be abusive and enter your space. It’s as if we’re invisible and something they have walked on.”

Another respondent wrote: “Asking customer to keep to social distancing, was met with physical and verbal abuse.”

Similar experiences were shared from elsewhere in Yorkshire. One worker said they had stopped asking people to wear masks as they did not want the “backlash of abuse from people”. Another person said they had been threatened with a used needle.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Yorkshire and Humber shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. 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 over 90 per cent of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.

"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. Action to protect shop workers is needed.

“Today a new protection of shopworkers law comes into force in Scotland, but we are deeply disappointed that the UK Government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members. They are deeply concerned that the current high levels of abuse will become the norm, unless the Government takes urgent and meaningful action.

"Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The Government has promised to bring forward an amendment to their flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.”

 

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