Protection of Retail Workers — [James Gray in the Chair]

The MP expressed concern about the significant issue of violence and abuse faced by shop workers, citing figures from the Association of Convenience Stores that there have been 40,000 violent incidents in the past year, with one in five resulting in injury. Additionally, he mentioned a staggering 1.2 million incidents of abuse, affecting nearly nine out of every ten shop workers.

She highlighted the growing issue of abuse and violence against retail workers, citing statistics such as 88% experiencing verbal abuse last year and 10% being physically assaulted. She emphasized that retail staff are key workers who face insecure working conditions and low wages. Anna McMorrin also mentioned specific incidents of violent attacks on retail workers and called for legislative action to protect them.

Mr Sheerman expressed his concern for the protection of workers in small retail shops, emphasising their importance to local communities. He highlighted that these shops are essential facilities and key workers during the pandemic have faced abuse from a minority of customers who do not obey laws. Mr Sheerman called for cultural change and better law enforcement.

The MP highlighted the worsening situation for shop workers during the pandemic, with the USDAW survey revealing that 88% experienced verbal abuse, 61% were threatened by customers, and 9% were assaulted. She shared several shocking first-hand experiences of verbal and physical abuse faced by retail staff. She stated: 'It's a different one.'

The Member highlighted his personal experience as a retail worker, noting the common occurrence of verbal and physical abuse. He cited USDAW's survey which revealed that nine in ten shop workers had been verbally abused, 60% reported threats of abuse, and 9% experienced physical assault. The Member called for meaningful change in law to protect retail workers similarly to other frontline workers.

Called for effective legal protection of retail workers and highlighted the increase in violence against them, citing a British Retail Consortium survey which found that there are now 455 incidents of abuse per day. He shared testimonies from USDAW members detailing various forms of verbal and physical abuse faced by shop workers. He noted that 65 CEOs in the UK are requesting a specific law for retail workers' protection from the government.

There are 455 daily incidents of abuse and violence in the retail sector as reported by the British Retail Consortium. The Home Affairs Committee survey found that 42% of respondents suggested more security measures could prevent future incidents, with convenience store workers being particularly vulnerable. He called for a specific offence to protect retail workers, citing the Home Affairs Committee report, and suggested body cameras as a deterrent.

Paying tribute to retail workers in Liverpool, West Derby for their efforts during the pandemic, Ian Byrne highlighted that despite shortages of personal protective equipment and fear of the virus, these workers continued to serve their community. He also noted an increase in threatening behaviour towards workers with 164 people from his constituency signing a petition by USDAW.

Retail workers have been largely unsung heroes on the frontline of the pandemic, yet they are regularly abused and assaulted. In Co-op stores alone in the first quarter of 2021, there were almost 400 incidents where weapons were used against shop workers, over half involving sharp implements such as syringes or knives.

Retail workers in Blaydon are facing issues such as verbal abuse, physical assaults, and threats of violence. A petition with over 100,000 signatures calls for specific legislation to protect retail workers. The USDAW survey highlights cases of shop workers being punched, threatened, and spat on. The Minister's sentencing guidelines are ineffective without prosecution, which is the issue at hand.

Mr Amesbury thanked the 104,000 petition signatories and highlighted the distressing experiences of retail workers, including abuse such as cans being thrown at their heads and verbal abuse for refusing to sell alcohol. He cited examples from Cheshire where shop workers have faced physical violence and called for specific protections like those in Scotland.

Drawing on her experience as a former retail worker, Patricia Gibson emphasised the need for protection against abuse and violence. She highlighted the Scottish Parliament's Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) Act 2021 which provides statutory aggravation for assault or threats to workers enforcing age restrictions.

Sarah Olney paid tribute to retail workers for their hard work during the pandemic and highlighted a constituent's daughter suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after an incident involving a knife in her workplace. She supports calls for specific legislation protecting shop workers, recognising their role in enforcing laws and maintaining community connections.

The MP commended the debate's lead on recognizing retail workers' invaluable role during the pandemic and highlighted a significant increase in abuse towards them. He noted that 3,500 assaults occur daily among 3 million retail workers due to enforcing social distancing measures and age verification.

Mr Wragg supported the idea of protecting retail workers, praising the work of his local Co-op store in Marple. He noted that frontline workers have endured abuse during the pandemic and suggested enforcing existing laws or changing them to make assaults on retail workers an aggravated offence if necessary.