South West Shopworkers Speak Out About Violence

 

Retail workers trade union leader Paddy Lillis has launched a parliamentary petition calling for legislation to protect shop workers from violence, threats and abuse. In support of the petition South West shopworkers have been speaking out about their own experiences.

The petition is lodged on the parliamentary website and calls on the Government to legislate to protect shop workers. It can be signed at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/328621

USDAW’s latest survey found that while incidents of violence, threats and abuse were already rising they doubled during the Covid-19 pandemic.”. These are some of the comments South

West shop workers shared experiences when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Bristol: “Purposely hit with a trolley.” - “Held at knifepoint and stalked.” – “I was punched by a customer.” - “I've had people throwing coins and products at me whilst serving at the till, as he wasn't happy with our products.”

Cornwall: “Swearing and aggressive behaviour by a drunken man one Friday evening.” -

“Customers threaten me and I’ve been pushed out of the way whilst trying to fill up shelves, daily I get called names.”

Devon: “Much more abusive and unreasonable recently. Had people square up to me and just be awful.” - “When it gets busy customers get short tempered. Had a customer aim their car at me.”

Gloucestershire: “Verbal abuse and sworn at using worst words ever. Had gum/sweets thrown at me.” - “I get verbal abuse most days for following the rules of my job.” - “Threatened to be beaten up by customer when I checked bank note.” Somerset: “Got punched by a young lad as I spotted him eating around the store and stole food.” - “Verbal abuse and threats received when refusing sales of alcohol and energy drinks.” - “Inappropriate sexual comments about myself.”

Wiltshire: “Customers getting annoyed with us cleaning chip and pin and counters between uses.” - “Smacked around face with skateboard, called fat and ugly.” - “Customers have been extremely rude, arrogant and aggressive towards staff.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies of shopworkers, who deserve far more respect than they receive. Abuse should never be a part of the job and we are appalled that violence, threats and abuse have doubled during this national emergency.

“The safety of our members is absolutely paramount, but they tell us that some of the shopping public are resisting safety measures in stores and can become abusive when asked to queue, maintain social distancing or reminded to wear a face mask. Our message to the public is that there is no excuse for abusing shopworkers, please treat our members with the respect they deserve.

 “In light of the unacceptable increase in abuse of shopworkers, there needs to be urgent action to help protect staff and we urge the Government not to dismiss our petition, but listen to the voices of shopworkers and legislate for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”