SHOP workers in the South West have spoken out about the abuse, threats and even violence they’ve had to endure.
Trade union Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) has today launched a petition calling for the law to protect these staff.
The petition is lodged on the parliamentary website and calls on Government to legislate to protect shop workers. It can be signed at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/328621
Usdaw’s latest survey found that while incidents of violence, threats and abuse were already rising, they doubled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some of the comments shop workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey included:
Cornwall: ’Swearing and aggressive behaviour by a drunken man one Friday evening.’
’Customers threaten me and I’ve been pushed out of the way whilst trying to fill up shelves, daily I get called names.’
Devon: ’Much more abusive and unreasonable recently. Had people square up to me and just be awful.’
’When it gets busy customers get short tempered. Had a customer aim their car at me.’
Paddy Lillis,Usdaw General Secretary said: ’It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies of shop workers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Abuse should never be a part of the job and we are appalled that violence, threats and abuse have doubled during this national emergency.
’Some of the public, when shopping, are resisting safety measures in stores and can become abusive when asked to queue, maintain social distancing or reminded to wear a face mask.
’Our message to the public is that there is no excuse for abusing shopworkers, please treat our members with the respect they deserve.’
Usdaw wants better protection for workers and stiffer penalities for those who assault them.
’Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.’