Northern Ireland shopworkers are being subjected to constant abuse and even physical attacks, a union says.
A survey by the Usdaw union found that 92% of the almost 2,000 staff had experienced verbal abuse.
One worker told the union they had “people throwing things at me, being abusive about waiting times and about not wearing masks”.
Usdaw says there needs to be a new protection of workers law. They have launched a Freedom from Fear summer campaign week from August 22-29 highlighted with the results of the survey.
Responses from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:
*92% have experienced verbal abuse;
*70% were threatened by a customer;
*14% were assaulted.
One in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, Usdaw says, including 5% who had been assaulted.
Along with the survey, the union included feedback from anonymous staff about their experiences.
The experiences included:
*“I have been called names and sexually harassed”
*“Physically slapped by a customer, spat at and had groceries thrown at me”
*“High volumes of verbal abuse when either following the Think 25 policy or refusing to serve an individual alcohol who is already under the influence”
*“Screamed at for not having stock. Basket thrown at me because we didn’t have the ready meal he wanted. Threatened to wait on me outside the store when I finished because she was unable to get a refund”.
Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Northern Irish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.
“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused. Action to protect shop workers is needed.
“Today a new protection of shopworkers law comes into force in Scotland, but we are deeply disappointed that the UK Government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members. They are deeply concerned that the current high levels of abuse will become the norm, unless the Government takes urgent and meaningful action. Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The Government has promised to bring forward an amendment to their flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.”
