Retailers in the UK are calling on the government to establish legislation akin to the recently enacted laws in Scotland in order to protect retail workers. The purpose of these laws is to address the growing levels of violence encountered by store staff. Since August 2021, when the Scottish parliament implemented the legislation, there has been a notable surge in reported assaults on retail workers. Figures gathered by Police Scotland reveal a 50% year-on-year increase.
The Guardian newspaper obtained statistics from 2023, extending until the end of November, which uncovered 2,233 reported assaults on retail workers, averaging 203 incidents each month. Additionally, there were 2,582 reported incidents of threatening or abusive behavior during the same time frame, indicating another 50% increase. The Protection of Workers Act, introduced as a member’s bill in the Holyrood parliament, established a new statutory offense pertaining to assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. The legislation garnered unanimous support from Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
Numerous retailers now advocate for comparable legislation to be implemented by the UK Parliament in order to protect workers in other regions of the country. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) contends that the Scottish law has proven to be effective, underscoring the necessity for a distinct offense that would lead to more severe penalties and greater deterrence. The law also allows law enforcement to accurately document data related to such incidents, offering a clearer understanding of the extent of the problem and facilitating the implementation of more effective solutions.
The shopworkers’ union, Usdaw, also supports the plea for a separate offense, pointing out that shoplifting has become a significant trigger for violence and abuse against retail workers. The union believes that this legislation would help address this issue and guarantee the safety and well-being of retail staff.
As violence and abuse toward retail workers remain significant concerns, adopting legislation comparable to the Scottish laws is viewed as a crucial measure to safeguard the rights and safety of those employed in the retail sector throughout the UK. It is hoped that the government will treat this matter with gravity and prioritize the establishment of robust laws to protect retail workers from harm. By doing so, we can cultivate a safer and more supportive environment for those who play an essential role in serving the public.
< a href="https://www.scottish.parliament.uk/bills-and-laws/bills/protection-of-workers-bill" target="_blank"> Scottish Parliament: Protection of Workers Bill
< a href="https://www.usdaw.org.uk/ProtectRetailWorkers" target="_blank"> Usdaw: Protect Retail Workers
