Call for shop worker abuse inquiry

THE retail industry is calling for an official inquiry to be launched into the rising tide of violence against shopworkers.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Association of Convenience Stores, Usdaw and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents complained that the Government had rejected calls for a new law to protect workers despite a petition signed by 63,000 people.

Retailers spent a record £1.2 billion on crime prevention in 2019, yet violence and abuse is on the rise with more than 400 incidents every day, according to the BRC’s latest crime survey.

Staff have been verbally and violently assaulted, spat at and coughed on for challenging shoplifters, enforcing agerestricted sales and implementing coronavirus safety measures.

The groups have written to Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, urging her to launch an inquiry.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “How many more shopworkers must be needlessly assaulted before the Government will act?

“Existing legislation meant to protect these workers is not working, and many of those committing these appalling crimes are not being held to account.”

Paddy Lillis, general secretary of Usdaw, which represents shopworkers, said: “It is astonishing that the Government have so far refused to take action that would protect retail workers.”