Union urges abused shopworkers to speak out

Too many shopworkers suffer in silence against persistent anti-social behaviour, violence, threats and abuse, according to the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw).

Amid mounting evidence that every day thousands of people working in shops fear being physically attacked or verbally abused, the leading retail union is urging all of its members to make full use of new government measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

As preparations continue for the Usdaw-organised ‘National Respect for Shopworkers Week’ (July 5 to 11), the union has published guidance material that lists a wide range of options available to shopworkers who are suffering from anti-social behaviour.

The leaflet, ‘Protecting Shopworkers from Anti-Social Behaviour’, lists practical measures that the police, local councils and store owners can take to reduce the risk of shopworkers being victims of anti-social behaviour, particularly from persistent offenders. The leaflet informs shopworkers how they can take the lead in securing help and support.

Highlighting the damaging effects of retail crime on shopworkers is one of the key objectives of Usdaw's ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign. One of the biggest obstacles faced by the union is assessing the true impact and scale of the problem - because many shopworkers do not formally report incidents, as they see them as "normal, everyday events".

To build a clearer understanding of the issue, Usdaw is undertaking a survey, with the support and assistance of some of the country's biggest retail companies. Shopworkers will be encouraged to keep a record of all incidents during a specified seven-day period - including verbal abuse, threats, sexual harassment, racial abuse and violence.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary Elect, said: "Retail crime is usually recorded in financial terms, but it is not a victimless crime, as many Usdaw members can testify. Through our Freedom From Fear campaign, Usdaw is determined to make sure the voices of the victims are heard. No-one should go to work in fear of being attacked or abused."

Usdaw is the UK's fifth biggest trade union, with over 330,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in retail, but the union also has members in transport, food manufacturing, call centres, dairy process and many other trades.

(GB)