Usdaw Petition - Protect Retail Workers from Abuse, Threats and Violence

Phil mentioned in his blog in June that we are focusing at the moment on a matter of real importance to all of us. That’s the issue of violence against colleagues in store. We’ve worked really closely with Usdaw on this, having invested in equipment, shared best practice with other Societies, worked with colleagues on training and continue to listen to your ideas and thoughts on what else we can do.

However, we also need to change legislation to ensure that ALL retail workers get better protection in the law. Alex Norris is a Co-op MP who introduced the “Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences)” Bill in the House of Commons. This, if it becomes law, will create a new offence recognising the key role all shop workers play & provides tougher penalties to those acting in that way. 

Many retailers joined together to obtain evidence from anyone who has been affected. Usdaw have now launched a petition to further press for a debate in the Commons on the issue.

What is Usdaw?

Usdaw is ‘Here to Help You’ whatever your job and no matter whether you are employed on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.

Providing advice and representation to workers in many different workplaces. They understand the challenges faced by workers to get a fairer deal in pay and conditions.

To find out more about how Usdaw can support you click here.

Usdaw Petition to Parliament: Protect Retail Workers from Abuse, Threats and Violence

During the Coronavirus crisis, while Usdaw members have played an essential role in ensuring the nation gets fed, they have been spat at, threatened with infection of Coronavirus and physically assaulted.

This is simply unacceptable and Usdaw is clear that abuse is not part of the job.

The Union has now launched a petition calling on the Government to introduce a new law to protect retail staff. To ensure the Government takes the issue seriously, we are asking for as many people as possible to sign their petition.

Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government will have to formally respond to their calls and if they can reach 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in the House of Commons.

Once you have signed the petition, you can also share it on twitter. Please help us to get as many signatures as possible so that retail workers get the protection they deserve.

Let’s work together to ensure that the Government takes action to protect retail workers.