Usdaw welcomes progress on protecting retail workers and tackling retail crime

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “The Crime and Policing Bill includes a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law and we welcome the Government continuing to progress this important legislation. We continue to make the case, along with retail trade bodies and employers, to further explore extending the protection of retail workers law to grocery delivery drivers, who face similar threats to their in-store colleagues, but can be more isolated and exposed on customer doorsteps and in the community.

“This year’s annual survey interim results show a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities, calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated. This is a hugely important issue for our members and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”