Usdaw welcomes MPs’ support for the essential role of retail staff at Christmas and throughout the year

EDM 2465 - Supporting shop workers: “That this House recognises with gratitude the dedication and hard work of shop workers, particularly during the Christmas period when they work longer hours under significant pressure to serve their communities; acknowledges the essential role they play in ensuring families can access food, gifts and everyday necessities at the busiest time of the year; notes ongoing concerns around low pay, job insecurity and abuse faced by retail staff; further recognises the work of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) in representing shop workers and campaigning for safer workplaces and fairer pay; and calls on the Government and employers to work with Usdaw to improve pay and security of hours, strengthen workplace protections and ensure shop workers receive the respect and recognition they deserve all year round.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “We are grateful to MPs for their support for our members working in retail, they are at the heart of our communities delivering the essential service of keeping the nation fed. Retail provides a year-round service, but things can become much more difficult at Christmas. Long shifts, busy stores and stressed customers are all issues our members are dealing with while trying to give their own family a nice Christmas.

“We are now in retail’s busiest period, as we head closer to the big day, and we ask the shopping public to remember that retail workers are people too. They are working under pressure trying to provide excellent customer service. So we ask that customers keep their cool and respect retail staff, so that everyone can have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”