Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Protections for Shop Workers

Tuesday 14 December 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Halfon expressed concern over violence against retail workers and asked for protections similar to those for NHS workers.
  • The Government tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to include an aggravating factor for assaults on those providing public services.
  • Afzal Khan questioned the Minister about legislating for retail worker protection similar to Scotland's approach and backing resources for charging and convicting offenders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Halfon Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Shop workers are facing increasing reports of abuse, assault, and intimidation at work. The issue has been raised by the questioner during a visit to local shops where staff have expressed concerns.

Question

I am concerned about the increasing reports of violence against retail workers in my constituency and beyond. Shop workers provide an important public service, especially during the pandemic. Can you confirm if they will receive similar protection as NHS workers?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Government have tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which will place in statute an aggravating factor for assaults against those providing public services. We are also meeting senior representatives of the retail sector today to discuss this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about parity with NHS workers' protection was not directly addressed.

How: My Message To Those Shop Workers Is That They May Have Received Abuse From A Tiny Minority, But The Overwhelming Majority In The Country Think They Are Heroes

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Q2 Robert Halfon Con
NHS Employment
Context

Retail workers face frequent violence and intimidation at work. The questioner is seeking assurance that legislation will protect these workers equally to NHS staff.

Question

I visited shop workers in the Co-op who have faced abuse, intimidation, and assault. They deserve similar protection as NHS workers, who are rightly shielded from such violence. Given their important public service during the pandemic, should we provide equivalent safeguards?

Answer from James Cartlidge

My right hon Friend is a great advocate for his constituents. I assure those shop workers that most people view them as heroes despite some abuse. We will meet with senior retail representatives today and commit to backing these workers in law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about equal legal protections was not directly answered.

How: My Message To Those Shop Workers Is That They May Have Received Abuse From A Tiny Minority, But The Overwhelming Majority In The Country Think They Are Heroes

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Q3 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Employment
Context

Retail workers face increased risks of violence and abuse due to new rules on mask-wearing and social distancing. There is a need for specific legislation in England and Wales to match Scottish Labour's efforts.

Question

Shop workers deserve safe working conditions but now risk more attacks enforcing new rules on masks and social distancing. Will the Minister commit to legislating for retail worker protection similar to Scotland's approach, including backing resources to charge and convict offenders?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I welcome the hon Gentleman's work on this issue. We are supporting an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and working with the sector to encourage reporting of crimes against retail workers and address root causes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about committing to equivalent Scottish legislation was not directly addressed.

How: We Are Also Putting In Place The Necessary Mechanisms To Encourage Such Crimes To Be Reported, Regaining Confidence In The Police And Criminal Justice System By Bringing The Perpetrators To Justice

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