Shopworkers Face Increased Abuse During COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Usdaw urges public to respect shopworkers as shops reopen
  • One in six shop workers suffered abuse on every shift during the pandemic
  • 62% of surveyed shopworkers experienced verbal abuse, with almost a third being threatened by a customer
  • 4% of employees were assaulted, amounting to over 3,500 daily
  • Usdaw and British Retail Consortium created joint safety guidance for shops
  • Retailers must publish risk assessments and implement safety measures before reopening

The shopworkers union Usdaw has called for customers to respect staff and employers, as shops reopen from June 15th. A recent survey revealed that one in six shop workers have faced abuse on every shift during the pandemic, with 62% experiencing verbal abuse and almost a third being threatened by a customer. Usdaw also found that 4% of employees were assaulted, equating to over 3,500 daily when averaged across all retail workers. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “The safety of our members and the public is our top priority, so we worked with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) on joint safety guidance for shops. Retailers must publish risk assessments and implement robust safety measures before they reopen, and we urge employers to work with the union to ensure their staff have a proper say in that process.” He added: “Safety in stores needs customer cooperation, and I am shocked that abuse of shopworkers has doubled during the coronavirus emergency. Shopworkers deserve respect.” Earlier this month, the union condemned government plans to allow supermarkets to open for 24 hours a day on Sundays as ‘a slap in the face’ for key workers, as the government considers limiting supermarket Sunday opening times to six hours to boost the economy.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about the issue of abuse towards shopworkers during the pandemic, quotes from Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis, and discusses the union’s stance on supermarket opening hours. It does not contain digressions or irrelevant details, nor does it present opinion as fact or include logical errors.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the increase in abuse towards shopworkers during the pandemic and the efforts of Usdaw to ensure safety measures are implemented. It also mentions the union’s stance on government plans regarding supermarket opening hours. However, it could provide more data or examples to support the claims and explore potential solutions for addressing the issue.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article mentions the impact on retailers and supermarkets, which are financial entities in the market.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the challenges faced by shopworkers during the pandemic and calls for safety measures in stores. It also touches upon government plans that could affect supermarket opening hours, which may have an impact on their operations and revenue.
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. However, there is a mention of an increase in abuse towards shopworkers during the pandemic.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk