Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Police cuts blamed for huge rise in attacks on shop staff
SHOP workers are facing a big rise in violence, threats and abuse which their union blames on Tory police cuts.
About 66% were verbally abused in the past year, 40% were threatened and 250 were assaulted every day.
This is a 25% rise in abuse and assaults on last year and 38% more threats.
The figures are from an ongoing survey by shop workers’ union USDAW. The union has launched a Freedom From Fear Campaign. General secretary John Hannett, said: “The statistics are shocking and show that urgent action is required.”
He said shoplifting was rising but 20,000 police officers had been axed since 2010, and fewer thieves were going to court. Mr Hannett added: “Life on the front line of retail can be pretty tough and there is a lot to do to protect workers.”