Shopworkers Face Increased Abuse During Sales Events
- USDAW urges shoppers to respect retail workers during Black Friday
- Two-thirds of retail workers faced increased incidents of abuse in 2014 survey
- Violence against retail workers up 25% since last year, says Usdaw’s annual survey
- Labour’s manifesto supports protection for public-facing workers
- Conservative ministers have not responded to consultation on legal protections
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) has urged shoppers to show respect towards retail workers during Black Friday sales events. The union’s latest survey found that two-thirds of retail employees faced verbal abuse and threats in 2014, with incidents increasing during the sales period. Recent years have seen a decrease in violence, but it remains concerningly high. USDAW general secretary Paddy Lillis called on the government to legislate for shopworker protection, as Labour’s manifesto supports the cause. With around 400 retail staff attacked daily and many more verbally abused, he urged customers to ‘keep their cool’ during Black Friday bargain hunting.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the concerns of the trade union leader regarding violence against retail workers during Black Friday and the support for Labour’s manifesto to protect public-facing workers. It also includes relevant statistics from a survey conducted by Usdaw. However, it lacks some objective reporting as it promotes Labour’s stance without mentioning other parties’ views on the issue.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the concerns of trade union leader regarding violence against retail workers during Black Friday and their support for Labour’s manifesto to protect workers. It also mentions the increase in incidents of abuse and assaults on shopworkers. However, it lacks a detailed analysis or exploration of the consequences of such decisions on those who bear the risks and does not offer much actionable insights or solutions.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of Black Friday on retail workers and calls for increased protection against violence and abuse in stores, which can affect the retail industry’s reputation and potentially sales.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text, but there is a discussion about violence and abuse against retail workers during Black Friday sales.
www.retailsector.co.uk