A cross-party group of MPs has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons recognising the contribution of shop workers and calling for stronger protections and fairer pay across the retail sector.
The motion, tabled on 11 December by Mary Kelly Foy MP (Labour, City of Durham) and signed by 27 Members, praises the “dedication and hard work” of retail staff, particularly during the Christmas period when longer hours, busier stores and heightened customer demand put workers under significant pressure. It highlights the essential role shop workers play in keeping communities supplied with food, gifts and everyday necessities at the busiest time of year.
The motion also draws attention to ongoing concerns around low pay, job insecurity and abuse faced by retail staff, and explicitly recognises the role of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) in representing workers and campaigning for safer workplaces.
It calls on government and employers to work with Usdaw to improve pay, provide greater security of hours, strengthen workplace protections and ensure shop workers receive year-round respect and recognition.
Responding to the motion, Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas welcomed the parliamentary support, particularly as the sector enters its peak trading weeks.
“We are grateful to MPs for their support for our members working in retail. They are at the heart of our communities delivering the essential service of keeping the nation fed,” she said. “Retail provides a year-round service, but things can become much more difficult at Christmas. Long shifts, busy stores and stressed customers are all issues our members are dealing with while trying to give their own family a nice Christmas.”
With footfall and pressure rising as Christmas approaches, Thomas also issued a message to shoppers, urging calm and respect in-store. “Retail workers are people too. They are working under pressure trying to provide excellent customer service. We ask that customers keep their cool and respect retail staff, so that everyone can have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”