NEARLY half of all retail workers surveyed about experiences of abuse at work across the South West have been threatened by customers.

Retail trade union, Usdaw, has released shocking statistics show that abuse and threats against shop workers continues to grow.

The increase in incidents comes during an epidemic of retail crime with violence remaining at double pre-pandemic levels.

Usdaw’s survey of 638 South West retail staff found that in the last twelve months (national average):

  • 74 per cent have experienced verbal abuse (77 per cent).
  • 47 per cent were threatened by a customer (53 per cent).
  • 9 per cent were assaulted (10 per cent).

The union has shared some of the comments shop workers across the region have shared when responding to the suurvey.

One shop worker, from Bristol, said: “A customer threw their shopping at me and then their basket, other times I’ve just been sworn at.

“I’ve been verbally abused about alcohol, cigarettes or energy drinks not to be sold without ID.

“A shoplifter also punched me in my chest.”

A Somerset shop worker added: “Always being shouted at on an hourly basis; regularly told they know where I live and I should watch myself.

“A shoplifter pushed me out of the way (and I was) groped by a customer on shopfloor.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw’s general secretary, said: “South West retail workers are suffering far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but our evidence shows that too many retail workers are. It is shocking that over three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.

“The Government has listened and introduced the Crime and Policing Bill in the House of Commons, with measures to address these significant issues in England and Wales. We now look forward to a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law; ending the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, and Respect Orders.

“We will review the details for the provisions and look forward to engaging with the Government as the Bill goes through Parliament, with the first debate and vote due to take place on Monday, March 10. It is our hope that these measures will give retail workers the protection and respect they deserve.”