Shopworkers Protection from Assault 2020-12-14
2020-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a call for evidence on violence and abuse towards shopworkers, with recent reports indicating an alarming number of incidents in retail environments.
What recent steps she has taken to protect shopworkers from assault. The Government's response to the call for evidence was published in July; however, despite this, some 3,000 incidents have been reported already this year across Co-op stores in Cambridge, equating to an incident every day in each store. Given these shocking statistics and noting the unsung role of retail staff during the pandemic, how much worse does it need to get before action is taken?
I join the hon. Gentleman in being appalled at the level of abuse and violence that shopworkers face. We are doing a huge amount to deal with it, including working closely with police forces through the retail crime steering group to press down on this issue. I have written to all chief constables outlining the need for every crime in shops to be investigated thoroughly. Last week, I met the head of security at Co-op to discuss their work with Facewatch using facial recognition technology to alert staff to repeat offenders before interactions become violent.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not specify when or if action would be taken in response to the worsening situation and did not provide a concrete timeline for improvements.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In a recent survey, USDAW found that over half of its members had been threatened and nearly 10% assaulted this year.
Given the shocking statistics on verbal abuse, threats, and assaults against retail staff during the pandemic and noting their critical role in keeping shops open, does he agree they need greater protection? Does he support a private Member's Bill seeking to create new offences for assaults on retail workers?
I do agree that shopworkers deserve all the protection we can afford, especially given their critical role during the pandemic. However, we do not yet see the case for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker despite the fact that assaults on those performing public service are already an aggravating factor in sentencing. The Sentencing Council is reviewing the sentencing guidelines for assault, and I urge hon. Members to put their evidence into this consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not commit to supporting or opposing a specific bill, despite acknowledging the need for protection but not providing concrete support for new legislation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A survey by USDAW found that a significant majority of its members had faced verbal abuse, threats, or assaults this year.
Given the shocking statistics on verbal abuse, threats, and assaults against retail staff during the pandemic and noting their critical role in keeping shops open, does he agree they need greater protection? Does he support a private Member's Bill seeking to create new offences for assaults on retail workers?
I do agree that shopworkers deserve all the protection we can afford, especially given their critical role during the pandemic. However, we do not yet see the case for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker despite the fact that assaults on those performing public service are already an aggravating factor in sentencing. The Sentencing Council is reviewing the sentencing guidelines for assault, and I urge hon. Members to put their evidence into this consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not commit to supporting or opposing a specific bill, despite acknowledging the need for protection but not providing concrete support for new legislation.
Response accuracy