Concern over levels of abuse faced by retail workers in the pandemic

RETAIL workers in Cynon Valley have faced an increase in abuse and violence since the start of the pandemic and more needs to be done to protect them, according to Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter.

Research from the Institute of Customer Service has reported a significant rise in incidents of abuse since the start of the pandemic.

According to shopworkers’ union Usdaw, 79% of shopworkers said that abuse was worse last year. 88% experienced verbal abuse, 60% were threatened by a customer and 9% were assaulted.

One local shopworker in Cynon Valley said: “I have been genuinely shocked by the way customers have treated staff since the start of the pandemic.

“We have seen staff members abused week in, week out. Abuse against shopworkers is not on, ever, but the sheer amount of abuse has caused a huge amount of stress and anxiety and left colleagues fearful about coming into work.”

Beth Winter MP said: “Retail workers are key workers, and in many cases they have not stopped working throughout the Covid pandemic.

“Abuse is completely unacceptable in all circumstances, but to see our key workers abused in this way after their hard work over the last 18 months is horrific.

“If crime is not reported, victims will not get the justice they deserve and it will continue to be a problem.

“If crime statistics represented the reality that frontline workers are facing, it would build the case for a change in the law to protect them.

“If you face abuse at work, please report it to the police or get in touch and let me know about it.”