Plea for patience from SGF amid Omicron restrictions

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has urged shoppers to be patient and not take frustrations out on retail workers as measures to tackle the Omicron coronavirus variant are stepped up.

The trade body said some shops are likely to have to reintroduce queuing systems to manage enhanced physical distancing, following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement of reinforced measures – including the need for distancing in retail and hospitality – to mitigate the more transmissible strain of the virus.

“Convenience stores have maintained high standards of hygiene and safety throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so,” John Lee, SGF head of policy, said.

“However, the latest Scottish government announcement is going to put a huge amount of pressure back on some shop workers – and there may be a need for queuing to control numbers in some stores to ensure people can move around them smoothly and safely.

Lee noted that the measures, which are being implemented at the busiest time of the year for retail, might make some people unhappy.

“We are, though, asking shoppers to be patient and not to take their frustrations out on shop staff, who are key workers trying their best to serve their communities while keeping people safe,” he added.

“We have sadly seen some shoppers behave unacceptably all too many times during the pandemic. But it is now a crime to abuse a retail worker and we encourage store owners across the country to take a zero-tolerance stance against all crime.”

A new Scottish law to better protect shop workers from abuse, making verbal or physical attacks against anyone working in a retail store in Scotland a specific offence, came into force in August this year.

The enhanced public health rules were announced as SGF called on shoppers to #SayThanks to retail workers this Christmas for all they do to support those around them.

It is part of an ongoing drive to encourage better behaviour in stores after greater legal powers were introduced to punish those who threaten or abuse shop staff.

SGF is highlighting the measures through it’s Don’t Put Up With It Campaign, which champions the zero-tolerance to trouble message. While it urges retailers to report every crime they witness in their shops, it encourages shoppers to say thank you to those serving them.

Lee added: “This is a challenging time for everyone, but we can make it easier for those shop staff working to support us through it by simply saying thanks to them as you’re served. A little compassion goes a long way.

“Our members are grateful for the loyalty of their customers and want to be there for them. In return, we are asking customers to be respectful. By doing that we will demonstrate that there is no place for trouble in Scotland’s shop.”

Anyone who witnesses a crime in a shop is urged to support their local shop staff by sharing information with Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.