Ryan FowlerUsdaw, the retail trade union, has called on Northern Ireland’s leaders, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, to introduce legal measures to safeguard retail workers from increasing violence and abuse. This appeal comes as incidents of assault against shop staff have surged, with Usdaw’s latest survey revealing an alarming rise in violent attacks.
Scotland’s recent implementation of the Protection of Workers Act, which criminalizes the abuse, threatening, or assaulting of public-facing retail workers, exemplifies the legislative steps that Usdaw urges Northern Ireland to consider.
Despite similar legislative moves being planned by the UK Government, Northern Ireland’s retail workers remain unprotected, placing them at greater risk compared to their counterparts in other regions.
According to Usdaw’s annual survey, which gathered responses from over 5,500 retail employees, the statistics are stark:
- 70% of respondents have encountered verbal abuse.
- 46% have been threatened by customers.
- 18% have suffered physical assaults, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw’s General Secretary, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “With physical assaults at an all-time high, and abuse levels significantly above pre-pandemic figures, the introduction of a separate criminal offence is essential. It would enhance police prioritisation, judicial certainty, and public awareness about the severity of retail crime.”
Usdaw is advocating for the Northern Ireland Assembly to quickly legislate similar protections to those in Scotland, ensuring Northern Ireland’s retail workers are not left vulnerable.
