MP calls for urgent action to protect shop workers

URGENT action is needed to protect shopworkers from people who believe it acceptable to abuse them.
That’s the view of Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid after meeting with local supermarket workers and Police Community Support Officers as part of the annual Respect for Shopworkers Week.
The MP is supporting the shopworkers’ union USDAW who organise the annual week.
During the week, shopworkers talk to the public about the problems of violence, threats and abuse, asking customers to “keep their cool”.
This year the campaign was launched amid concerning statistics revealing a big 40 per cent increase in incidents of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.
Mr Rashid says he is proud to support the union’s campaign for greater protection for shopworkers and other public-facing workers as they go about their jobs.
“Worryingly, data collected by the British Retail Consortium shows that the human cost of retail crime is growing, with a 40 per cent increase in offences involving abuse or violence against shopworkers. Urgent action is needed to tackle the minority of shoppers who believe that it is
acceptable to abuse retail staff.
“We must send out a clear message – assaulting shopworkers who are serving the public is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. I will continue to campaign alongside USDAW to ensure that shopworkers receive the help and support they need.”