Edinburgh, Scotland – A recent report reveals that almost one in five shopworkers in Scotland experienced a violent attack in the past year. This marks a significant increase in violence compared to previous years, highlighting a concerning trend in the retail sector.
The Retail trade union Usdaw conducted an annual survey of over 5,500 retail staff, uncovering shocking incidents of shop workers being subjected to physical and verbal abuse on a daily basis. The report indicates that 18% of shop workers were victims of violent attacks in 2023, a stark rise from 8% in the previous year and just 5% in 2019 before the pandemic.
Instances of threats and abuse have also seen a notable increase, with nearly half of the surveyed shop workers reporting being threatened by a customer in the past year. Additionally, 70% of respondents experienced verbal abuse, compared to 68% in 2019.
The surge in violence and abuse against shopworkers coincides with a rise in retail crime, including theft from shops. Workers across Scotland shared harrowing experiences of being physically assaulted and verbally harassed while simply trying to do their jobs.
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, expressed dismay at the disturbing testimonies from Scottish shop workers, emphasizing the need for greater respect and protection for retail staff. He highlighted the alarming prevalence of violence, threats, and abuse faced by shop workers, emphasizing that no one should feel unsafe at work.
The findings from the report align with recent studies from industry bodies, such as the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores, which have also documented a surge in violence and abuse targeting shopworkers. The escalating levels of shoplifting and retail crime underscore the urgent need for measures to safeguard retail staff and ensure their safety in the workplace.
As the retail sector grapples with mounting challenges, advocates like Usdaw are calling for stronger protections for shop workers and collaborative efforts with law enforcement to combat the escalating wave of retail crime. The voices of shopworkers across Scotland serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those on the frontline of the retail industry, highlighting the imperative to address and prevent violence and abuse in the workplace.