Minister’s commitment to standalone offence in Sentencing Bill welcomed
The commitment from the Justice Minister to include a standalone offence for attacking retail workers within the upcoming Sentencing Bill has been welcomed.
Retail trade union, Usdaw said it welcomed the confirmation from Naomi Long MLA that the offence for attacking public-facing workers would be introduced in Stormont as part of the Sentencing Bill.
The announcement came in response to a written question in the Assembly from Gerry Carroll MLA, with the legislation due to starts its passage through the Assembly in January.
Responding to the written question AQW 35402-22-27, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “No-one should go to work fearing that they will face abuse.
“Although the Usdaw Freedom from Fear survey results do show a small decrease in number of instances reported, the high levels of abuse, threats and assaults faced by those working in retail remain unacceptable.
“I am fully committed to working with all partners, including businesses, the community and voluntary sector, PSNI, as well as other departments and organisations, to ensure that we continue to reduce these numbers.”
The Minister added that the new offence will carry a higher maximum penalty on conviction than the sentences currently available for similar less serious assault offences.
“Additionally, if a more serious assault offence is charged, I will make the fact that the victim is such a worker a statutory aggravating factor, meaning the courts will be required to reflect this specifically in the sentences imposed,” she said.
“These higher penalties will act as a significant deterrent and send the message that there is no place for these types of offences in our society.
“I intend to introduce this Sentencing Bill in January 2026, subject to Executive approval.”
Reacting to the response, Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary welcomed the Justice Minister following through on her promise to legislate.
“We hope it will be well received in Stormont and will attract support from MLAs across the Assembly,” she said.
“Usdaw’s latest interim survey results have shown a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.”
She added that a similar offence has already been passed in Scotland and is working its way through Westminster for England and Wales.
“We look forward to our members in Northern Ireland receiving similar protections,” she said.
“In the run up to Christmas, when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated, we are calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
