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New Bill backs greater protection for retail staff


By Alan Beresford

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LOCAL MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a Bill which will bring in new protections for retail staff.

Stewart Stevenson MSP.
Stewart Stevenson MSP.

The legislation will create a new statutory offence against assaulting, threatening or abusing a retail worker.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill will also provide further legal protections when the worker is carrying out their statutory duties such as age-restricted sales.

Put forward by Daniel Johnson MSP, the Member's Bill has received unanimous support.

It comes after concern was raised during the coronavirus pandemic regarding an increase in abuse against retail staff trying to ensure customers maintained social distancing and wore masks while shopping.

The legislation regarding age-restricted sales will also cover those working in bars, restaurants and hotels, and those delivering items bought online who may have to ask for proof of age when items are delivered.

Mr Stevenson said: “This Bill will help protect retail workers who deserve to go to work each day without the threat or verbal or physical abuse as they carry out their job.

“During the pandemic, retail workers have been key workers, helping to support all of us as we stay have stayed at home.

“I am pleased the Scottish Parliament has backed this Member’s Bill to protect all retail staff – violence, threats and abuse should never just be part of anyone’s job.”

A survey by shopworkers' union Usdaw of 2729 retail staff across the UK found that nine in 10 claimed to have been abused during 2020

The union have presented their findings to an influential Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry at Westminster. Usdaw have also secured over 100,000 signatures on a ‘protect shopworkers’ petition that should now trigger a parliamentary debate.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “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.

"We are pleased to have had the opportunity to make the case to the select committee.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90 per cent of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and nearly one in 10 assaulted. Retail workers, their friends, family and loved ones, are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be just a part of the job.

“We were deeply disappointed by the UK government’s initial response to our petition, offering little more than sympathy and their objection to the Alex Norris Protection of Shopworkers Bill in the House of Commons.

"[We've had] a great result for our members in the Scotland, as MSPs voted through ground-breaking legislation to give shopworkers the protection of the law that they deserve. So we are now looking for MPs to support key workers across the retail sector and help turn around the UK government’s opposition."


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