// A petition calling for legislation has been timetabled for a debate by MPs in Westminster on June 7
// The petition has been signed by more than 100,000 people and is backed by major retailers and trade bodies
// A recent survey by the BRC showed that violence and abuse against shopworkers increased by 7%, with 455 incidents each day
A union’s campaign aimed at protecting shopworkers from violence and abuse is set to be debated in Parliament.
Usdaw said a petition calling for legislation has been timetabled for a debate by MPs on June 7.
The petition has been signed by more than 100,000 people and is backed by major retailers and trade bodies.
READ MORE:
- Retail staff face daily abuse as BRC calls on gov’t to act
- Fresh call for law to protect shopworkers after crime rises 76%
- Retailers join Home Office to launch campaign against staff abuse
“I am grateful to our reps, activists and members who worked hard to pass the necessary 100,000 signatures, which has now secured a parliamentary debate,” Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said.
“This is a hugely important issue for shopworkers, with incidents of abuse doubling during the pandemic. Abuse should never be just a part of the job.
“We now urge MPs to support the aims of the petition and persuade the Government to back legislation to protect shopworkers.
“Retail employers, leading retail bodies and the shopworkers’ trade union are jointly calling for legislation, so it is time for the Government and MPs to listen.”
A recent survey by the BRC showed that violence and abuse against shopworkers increased by seven per cent in the year to April 2020, with 455 incidents each day.
Shopworkers were facing more than 50 incidents an hour, or almost one attack a minute in a nine-hour working day, while only 54 per cent of the crimes were reported to police and only six per cent ended in prosecution, research found.
with PA Wires
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
