Chester MP calls for shop worker protection

Chester MP Chris Matheson has called for new legislation to protect shop workers, as new figures reveal the shocking extent of the abuse faced by retail staff.

As Shopworkers’ union Usdaw revealed that 88% of staff had experienced verbal abuse and 61% were threatened by a customer in 2020, Chris this week raised the issue in Parliament. He asked Home Secretary Priti Patel: “When will the Government bring forward legislation to protect shop workers, who are in the frontline in combating this virus by providing so much support to us?”

The Home Secretary responded that the Government will “continue to work with employers to ensure that they are doing everything possible to protect shop workers”.

Chris has pledged to continue his calls for further action. He said: “The Government has to act with urgency in the interests of these retail staff who have made an extraordinary effort over the past year, in very difficult circumstances. These figures are an awful reminder that this is a serious and growing problem, and it is high time that we help those who work so hard to help us.”

He added: “The abuse faced by retail staff is absolutely unacceptable, and it is clear that existing legislation is simply not enough of a deterrent. This issue is not going away, and I will continue to support Usdaw’s campaign to get shop workers the protection they desperately need.”

Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

•           88% experienced verbal abuse

•           61% were threatened by a customer

•           9% were assaulted