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While you’re looking after the shop, who is looking after you? There’s never been a more important time to join Usdaw

Date: 27 May 2020 As more shops are set to open in the coming weeks, retail trade union Usdaw is urging workers across the sector to join the union for greater protection.
Usdaw’s ‘Impact of Coronavirus’ survey is of 7,357 members (primarily essential workers in shops, distribution warehouses, road transport or work as delivery drivers) findings include:
  • 70% are experiencing anxiety and raised concerns with their employer.
  • Many key workers are struggling on low pay and are applying for Universal Credit and benefits to make ends meet.
  • 29% have had Covid-19 related absences from work, because of illness, self-isolating or shielding.
  • Abuse of shopworkers has doubled during the Coronavirus emergency.
Full Survey results: www.usdaw.org.uk/CoronavirusReport
 
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “There has never been a more important time to have union protection and representation and we urge workers across the retail industry to join Usdaw. Retailers are required to consult with staff and complete risk assessments because of Government guidelines negotiated by Usdaw. That process is best done with the expertise of Usdaw and joining the union ensures that workers have the support they need.
 
“Our members are on the frontline of feeding the country during the current crisis. They are providing an essential service in very difficult circumstances, working long hours in busy stores, facing abuse from customers and of course concerned they may contract Covid-19 and pass it on to their family.
 
“The health and wellbeing of our members is paramount and Usdaw continues to make sure there are effective measures in place to protect staff. I pay tribute to our volunteer reps in workplaces across the country who have been helping members through the crisis and dealing with an unprecedented level of issues.

“Usdaw is here to help. We have a proud record of getting the best deal for our members and providing top quality services and benefits that represent outstanding value for money.”

Join Usdaw: www.usdaw.org.uk/join

Good reasons to join Usdaw: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Join-Us/Good-Reasons-to-Join

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 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.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers