Retail workers deserve better: Usdaw calls for urgent legislative action!

  • Usdaw criticizes the Prime Minister for not supporting a new law to protect shop workers.
  • One in six shop workers reported experiencing abuse during every shift.
  • 62% of surveyed shop workers faced verbal abuse, with 4% assaulted.
  • Usdaw calls for stiffer penalties for those who assault retail workers.
  • The government plans to work with NRCSG to improve reporting and data sharing.

The retail trade union Usdaw has expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s lack of support for a new law aimed at protecting shop workers from violence. The union is urging the government to take decisive action against the alarming rise in abuse faced by retail employees. Recent statistics reveal that one in six shop workers has experienced abuse during every shift, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. A survey of nearly 5,000 shop workers found that 62% have encountered verbal abuse, while almost a third reported being threatened by customers. Additionally, 4% of employees have been assaulted, translating to over 3,500 incidents daily across the retail sector. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour MP Alex Norris highlighted the need for legislative change if current measures fail. Usdaw’s General Secretary, Paddy Lillis, criticized the government for not committing to tougher penalties for those who assault workers, stating that mere words of zero-tolerance are insufficient without concrete actions. He emphasized the need for a clear, standalone offense that is easily understood by the public and law enforcement. Lillis also acknowledged some positive measures in the government’s response but stressed that they would be more effective with new legislation. He lamented the doubling of violence and abuse against retail staff during this national crisis, asserting that these workers play a vital role in their communities and deserve legal protection. Earlier this week, the government announced plans to collaborate with the National Retail Crime Steering Group to enhance support for staff reporting crimes, strengthen existing laws, and improve data sharing between businesses and law enforcement.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the issue of violence against shop workers during the pandemic, quotes from Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis, and mentions the government’s response to the problem. It presents different perspectives on the matter without including irrelevant or misleading details.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the issue of violence against shop workers during the pandemic and includes quotes from Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis and Alex Norris MP. It also mentions the government’s response to the problem. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or exploration of the consequences of this issue on society and the economy.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: The article does not directly impact financial markets or companies.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a social issue related to shop workers facing violence during the pandemic, and while it mentions government response, there is no direct impact on financial markets or companies.
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 article. The issue discussed is a significant problem faced by shop workers, but it’s not an extreme event as it doesn’t meet the criteria of deaths, injuries, economic impact, damage to infrastructure, or long-term consequences on a large scale.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk