MPs launch inquiry into violence towards retail workers

The Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons has on 18 December announced a new inquiry into the police response to incidents of violence and abuse experienced by retail workers.

Apart from the call for evidence, the committee has also launched a public survey, inviting retail workers to explain what happened after an incident was reported.

“We want to hear experiences of retail workers and find out if they are getting the support they need from their employers and the police,” Yvette Cooper MP, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, said.

“We will also look at what changes in policy or the law could help reduce incidents of violence against retail workers and remove barriers to them seeking justice.”

The inquiry’s remit includes examining barriers to the reporting of incidents of violence or abuse and victim satisfaction with the action taken by police and employers after an incident is reported. It also explores whether a new offence aggravating assaults against retail workers is required, and the adequacy of action taken by the government on this issue following its 2019 call for evidence.

Trade bodies have welcomed the announcement, which comes after the ACS, NFRN, BRC and Usdaw jointly wrote to the committee in October demanding an inquiry to investigate the growing problem of violence and abuse against retail workers.

“Local shops have been on the front line working tirelessly to feed and support their communities but sadly many stores have seen an increase in violent and abusive behaviour as we implement rules on face coverings and social distancing,” commented James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

“We are pleased that the Home Affairs Committee has recognised the importance of addressing violence and abuse against shop workers and we are encouraging retailers and their store colleagues to share their experiences through the public survey to ensure that their voices are heard.”

Stuart Reddish, national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN), added: “Violence is an unacceptable part of daily life for too many independent retailers. I get calls from hundreds of members who are crime victims.

“The impact of retail crime can be devastating and long-lasting – not just in terms of physical injuries but on anxiety and stress too. The NFRN welcomes this inquiry and we look forward to working with the Home Affairs Committee.”

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “Shop workers around the UK have suffered for too long under the scourge of retail violence and abuse. No one should have to go to work in fear, just for doing their job. The BRC welcome the decision by the Home Affairs Committee to heed our call and launch an inquiry into this problem.”

“We hope the inquiry will address the approach taken by the police in tackling retail violence and abuse and look at how those who commit these crimes are punished. We look forward to engaging with the inquiry.”

The Shopworkers’ Protection Pledge, launched in September by the BRC asking MPs to pledge to tackle retail crime and support legislation to better protect retail workers, has the support of 57 MPs from all major parties.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said the new select committee inquiry is a “very welcome opportunity to evidence the need or a ‘protection of shop workers’ law”.

The union on 17 December secured 100,000 signatures on a ‘protect shop workers’ petition that should now trigger a parliamentary debate.

“This is turning into a good week for our members, in terms of tackling the appalling violence, threats and abuse that they all too often suffer,” Lillis commented.

“We were deeply disappointed by the government’s initial response to the petition, offering little more than sympathy. Unfortunately, they also objected to the Alex Norris’ protection of shop workers bill in the House of Commons. So we are now looking for MPs to get behind retail staff, who are key workers providing essential services, and help turn around the government’s opposition.”

The Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill promoted by Alex Norris MP was timetabled for its second reading in the House of Commons, but delayed until 8 January with the government raising objections.

The public survey and call for evidence as part of the inquiry will be open until Friday 15 January 2021.

The 2020 ACS Crime Report, released in March, shows there were 50,000 incidents of violence against people working in the convenience sector last year. Figures from the ACS Covid Impact Survey conducted during the first lockdown showed that 40 per cent of retailers had experienced an increase in violence and abuse since the start of the pandemic.