Abuse and attacks on shop staff doubles during Covid-19 pandemic: Union

Shop workers in Northern Ireland have been speaking out against an increase in the level of abuse and violence directed towards them since the coronavirus lockdown.
By Mark Rainey
Published 19th Aug 2020, 06:30 BST
Shop staff are reporting a sharp rise in verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards them during the Covid-19 pandemicShop staff are reporting a sharp rise in verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards them during the Covid-19 pandemic
Shop staff are reporting a sharp rise in verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards them during the Covid-19 pandemic

According to Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), the number of incidents has doubled during the Covid-19 pandemic and a petition has now been launched urging the government to legislate to protect retail staff.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said that listening first hand to the affected shop workers has been “heart-breaking”.

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Mr Lillis said: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies of shop workers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Abuse should never be a part of the job and we are appalled that violence, threats and abuse have doubled during this national emergency.

“The safety of our members is absolutely paramount, but they tell us that some of the shopping public are resisting safety measures in stores and can become abusive when asked to queue, maintain social distancing or are reminded to wear a face mask.”

Face coverings in shops and other enclosed spaces became mandatory in Northern Ireland from August 10.

Of almost 5,000 workers who responded to a union survey, 62% reported being verbally abused while 29% said they had been threatened. Just over 4% reported being physically assaulted.

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Mr Lillis said shop workers have reported being abused for refusing to take money from a customer’s mouth, because customers demanded to be served quicker, and had produce thrown at them because certain items were out of stock.

“In light of the unacceptable increase in abuse ... there needs to be urgent action to help protect staff and we urge the government not to dismiss our petition, but listen to the voices of shopworkers and legislate for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers.”

The petition has been opened at www.petition.parliament.uk/petitions/328621