Violence and abuse on a daily basis - the life of a shopworker
It is shocking that nearly three-quarters of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experience threats and violence.
The obvious horrendous incidents, like,
having a knife pulled on you, being in the middle of an armed robbery, threatened with a needle, punched by a shoplifter and having goods thrown at you, are all incidents that would make most people’s toes curl and we all fear, but that isn’t the whole story.
It’s the everyday abuse that gets you down,
being sworn at, told you’re stupid, comments about your appearance, sexual harassment, racial abuse, frustrated customers because of lack of stock and short staffing, etc. Like that’s our fault!?!
It is no surprise to me that Usdaw’s annual survey has found that nearly a third of shopworkers are considering quitting because of abuse. I work in a supermarket and see the day-to-day lack of respect that we face, which can grind you down.
We know that retailers are concerned about the situation and many have supported efforts to secure legislation to better protect shopworkers. As a trade union rep I work with store management to improve safety, better support staff and ensure that incidents are reported and dealt with.
Retail crime already costs the industry £1.76 billion a year, so any mass exodus of staff would have a significant impact on businesses.
At a time of labour shortages, and across an industry with high staff turnover rates, it is clear that abuse, threats and violence are having an economic impact and holding the sector back. The cost of recruitment, induction and training often runs into thousands of pounds per individual. Of course, this will inevitably result in higher prices for customers, which is unwelcome at any time and particularly in a cost of living crisis.
Recently reported increases in theft from shops are also deeply concerning. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers. Having to deal with repeated and persistent offenders can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers. We are aware that the cost of living crisis may lead to more theft. However, the answer to the squeeze on household budgets is not to turn a blind eye to shoplifting. The Government must take immediate steps to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.
It should not be part of the job to be verbally abused, threatened or attacked and my union Usdaw is determined to make sure it isn’t. Enough is enough.
Abuse and violence against shopworkers should not be tolerated in today’s society.
The government must provide the co-ordination needed to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safe places for our members to work and for customers to shop.