While not all shopworkers suffer to this extent, some experience much higher levels of abuse, threats and violence. Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Survey shows that during 2018:

• 66% of South West shopworkers experienced verbal abuse (which is above the national average),
• 41% were threatened by a customer (also above the national average),
• with 43 assaulted every day (which is the worst in the UK).

The Government has opened a ‘call for evidence’ on this growing issue, following pressure from Usdaw, employers like the Co-op and retailers’ representative organisations like the Association of Convenience Stores, British Retail Consortium and National Federation of Retail Newsagents. The Government is seeking the views of organisations and individuals who wish to contribute to their understanding of the problem of violence and abuse toward shop staff in England and Wales. This consultation closes at 11pm on 28 June 2019 and submissions can be made online at: www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/PVAUE/
 
Usdaw is running their own survey, which will feed into the Home Office ‘call for evidence’ and can be completed at: www.usdaw.org.uk/respectsurvey
 
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers are amongst the great scourges of our society. The statistics are shocking and show that urgent action is required. On average a South West shopworker can end up on the wrong side of a verbal or physical assault nearly once a fortnight. Our message is clear, abuse is not a part of the job.
 
“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail staff about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with employers to promote respect and make shops safer for staff and customers alike.
 
“So there needs to be action to help protect staff. We want the Government to provide stiffer penalties for those who assault workers; a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, CPS, the judiciary and most importantly criminals.
 
“Usdaw welcomes the Government opening a ‘call for evidence’ and we encourage everyone concerned with this issue to make their voices heard by contributing to the Home Office online consultation or visiting the Usdaw website to complete our survey, which we will submit to the Government.
 
“Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”
 
Voices from the South West frontline: As part of Usdaw’s survey of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers, respondents have the opportunity to feed back their experiences, here are some examples from the South West:
 
Modbury: "Usually to do with "Think 25"/Alcohol - parents with under age teenagers becoming indignant and abusive when teen is challenged."
 
Truro: "Customers shouting, being abusive, daily occurrence at the customer service desk."
 
Weston-super-Mare: "Last week I stopped a shoplifter and they threatened to stab me."
 
Taunton: "Being sworn and shouted at by customers when they want a refund/exchange. Customer threatened to beat me up outside but fortunately nothing happened."
 
Bristol: "I was spat on when I refused to serve a rude customer."
 
Trowbridge: "Man wanted new X-box game. I had just sold the last one. He lent right over the counter and shouted in my face."
 
Bournemouth: "I've been to court because someone threatened me with a bottle, he came in after that conviction and attacked a fellow worker."
 
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 420,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
South West results of Usdaw’s 2018 survey, based on 427 responses, show that in 2018: 66.3% were verbally abused, 40.9% were threatened, 14.2% of shopworkers had been assaulted during their career, with 5.9% assaulted during 2018. All South West results are above the national average.
  
For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion