Union Finds One-Third of Asda Employees Attacked on the Job, Company Denies Knowledge of Results

  • One in three Asda staff reported being attacked at work according to GMB union survey
  • Survey includes reports of workers being stabbed, punched, and threatened with syringes
  • 58% of respondents suffered injury or illness on the job
  • Delivery drivers confronted by customers in nude and chased by cars
  • Asda claims GMB made no mention of survey, requests full copy and summary
  • Company invested £30m in CCTV systems, body-worn cameras, extra security guards
  • Asda supports making abuse against retail workers a standalone criminal offence

A recent survey by the GMB union reveals that one in three Asda employees have experienced attacks at work, including stabbing, punching, and threats with syringes. The poll of nearly 1000 workers also uncovered instances of spitting, broken bones, and death threats against staff and their families. Additionally, 58% reported injuries or illnesses on the job. Delivery drivers faced confrontations by nude customers and being chased by vehicles. Asda states that 339 employees (35%) were victims of verbal or physical violence. The company claims GMB didn’t mention the survey and requested a complete copy and detailed summary. Asda has invested £30m in CCTV systems, body-worn cameras, and extra security guards for store safety. They also support making retail worker abuse a standalone criminal offense.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information from a survey conducted by GMB union on the incidents faced by Asda staff, quotes from Asda’s response, and discusses the measures taken by the company to address the issue.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the issue of violence towards Asda staff but could benefit from more analysis or context on the broader trend of increasing violence in retail workplaces and potential solutions beyond what Asda is currently doing.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Asda (Walmart subsidiary) and related retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses financial relevance as it involves the safety of Asda workers and the company’s efforts to address violence against them, which can impact their operations and potentially affect the retail sector.
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Severe
Extreme Rating Justification: The extreme event in the text involves high levels of violence and aggression towards Asda workers, resulting in injuries, death threats, and other forms of abuse. This has led to significant concerns for their safety and requires investment in security measures such as CCTV systems, body-worn cameras, and extra security guards.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk www.retailgazette.co.uk