The BRC have recorded a doubling of violence against retail staff, as reported by the employers. Usdaw’s survey of shopworkers shows a 25% increase, suggesting there are around 265 assaulted every day. The survey also revealed that 1 in 5 shopworkers who have been assaulted don’t report it and 80% of shopworkers think a new law to stiffen penalties for those who assault them is needed.
 
John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: “These two surveys have returned truly shocking results and clearly demonstrate there is a growing problem that needs to be tackled.
 
“The clear message to Government is there is a need to do more. A properly funded and well-resourced police service is essential to halt the dramatic rise in retail crime. We have to question whether the cutting of 20,000 police officers in the name of austerity is behind these survey results.
 
“Shopworkers are on the frontline of policing the law on the sale of alcohol, knives, glue and acid. Parliament has given them the responsibility to police those laws, so parliament should provide shopworkers with the necessary protection. It is entirely reasonable that shopworkers continue to ask the Government for legislation to provide stiffer sentences for the thugs that assault them.
 
“It is time to say enough is enough. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion