Usdaw’s parliamentary petition that seeks to protect retail staff from violence, threats and abuse has collected the 100,000 signatures needed that should trigger a debate in the House of Commons.
The shopworkers’ union now seeks the support of MPs and the Government for legislation to protect retail staff.
The UK Government has repeatedly rejected calls for such a law. Speaking in the House of Commons on 14 December, Minister of State for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse said the Government didn’t “yet” see a case for a specific offence of assaulting a shopworker. The Government also objected to the progression of Alex Norris MP’s proposed Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill. Originally timetabled for its second reading in Parliament in September, the Bill is now delayed until 8 January 2021.
The petition is backed by 23 major retailers and the industry’s leading trade bodies. Furthermore, a Co-op survey found that over 80% of the public say abuse of shopworkers is unacceptable and want greater sentencing for offenders.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented: “We now urge the House of Commons Petitions Committee to grant a parliamentary debate and for MPs to support the aims of the petition by persuading the Government to back legislation to protect shopworkers.
“We were deeply disappointed by the Government’s initial response to the petition, offering little more than sympathy. Unfortunately, they objected to the Alex Norris’ protection of shopworkers bill in the House of Commons.
“I hope that the level of support shown for our petition will convince the Government to change their minds. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”
In Scotland, Daniel Johnson MSP’s proposed Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) faces a final Stage 3 vote in the new year before it can be made law.
