Staff ‘dreading abuse’ over Christmas period: TUC

WORKERS in bars, shops, restaurants and in the health service will be “dreading” the next few weeks because of the level of verbal abuse they face, according to a new report.

A study by the UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) suggested that half of staff have experienced bullying, abuse, sexual harassment or violence, often from a customer.

The risk is heightened during the Christmas shopping and party season, said the union organisation.

The survey of more than 4,500 workers indicated that half of those who have been harassed did not report the incident to their employers.

The TUC called for a change in the law so that employers have to protect their staff from harassment by patients, clients and customers.

General secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Lots of staff in shops, bars, restaurants and the NHS will be dreading the weeks ahead.

“Getting abused at work shouldn’t be a part of anyone’s Christmas.

“It’s not acceptable to shout at, threaten or harass workers, no matter how stressed you are about your shopping or how much you’ve had to drink.

“Employers must take a zero-tolerance approach to workplace harassment.

“If workers are abused by customers, they should know the boss will have their back, and the government should change the law to make employers properly protect public-facing workers.”