In an open letter, Peter Batt, Managing Director of Nisa, along with Head of Retail, Victoria Lockie, has written an open letter highlighting that authorities have not responded in over 70% of serious retail crimes reported.

The crimes vary from shoplifting and attempted thefts to criminal damage to stores and property.

The letter coincides with Respect for Shopworkers Week, which runs from 13^th to 19^th November.

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has been running its Freedom from Fear ‘Respect for Shopworkers Week’ since 2002, during which time the targeted campaign has worked with the public, retail employers, the police and the government to protect retail workers from violence and abuse.

Across England, Scotland and Wales, Usdaw has successfully delivered increased legal protections for retail workers. With retail workers in Northern Ireland facing abuse, threats and violence in much the same way as other Usdaw members, they are calling on politicians in Northern Ireland to be aware of the need to protect retail workers.

“Key to that is ensuring that all incidents are reported, so the theme of this year’s Respect Week is ‘Report it. Sort it’.,” states Usdaw.

“Ensuring that all cases are reported will help send a clear message to colleagues, employers, politicians and the police of the scale of the issue and the need for further action to protect retail workers,” they added.

Read the open letter in full below.

How can we support independent retailers with the impact of retail crime?

“The plight of retail crime has been rightly pushed to the top of the news agenda in recent months, led brilliantly by the Co-op and Nisa. And as the government’s Crime and Justice bill is debated, and Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week approaches, the issue of how we help retailers feel safe is once again in the spotlight – especially pertinent to the 33,500 independent retailers up and down the country.

“The Co-op’s recent report on retail crime highlighted some significant challenges, with the appropriate authorities failing to respond in over 70% of serious retail crimes reported.

“Our teams hear on a weekly basis from retailers dealing with the ongoing challenge of shoplifting, and the impact that is having both financially and on their own well-being. Nisa retailer Ben Selvaratnam, owner of Freshfields Market in Croydon, a family-run store, told us that shoplifting has become such an issue that they are targeted by three to 10 thefts or attempted thefts a day, costing him hundreds of pounds a week.

“Stories like Ben’s are sadly not isolated; and the impact of retail crime is particularly tough for independent retailers, many of whom are open longer hours and can’t afford to hire professional security. These horrific incidents have a long-lasting impact on businesses and a negative impact for the community overall.

“It was positive, therefore, to see Policing Minister Chris Philp respond to these challenges by announcing a Retail Crime Action Plan, committing to tackle shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe.

“And while the national action plan is a welcome step – not least the commitments to prioritise urgent attendance at the scene of shoplifting involving violence against a shop worker – we hope the plight of independent retailers is given as much consideration as the larger organisations.

“If we are going to tackle this issue seriously, we need to all retailers, including independent retailers running their own stores, can feel safe simply doing their job.

“So, as we support USDAW’s efforts this week to continue the conversation around respect for shopworkers, big and small, I’d urge independent retailers to ensure they are reporting crime, to give themselves the best chance of police action – and I’d urge the police to ensure independent retailers are not left behind in the race to tackle retail crime.

“Independent retailers are the beating hearts of high streets across the country, and if we want to ensure they are still there for the communities they serve, then action needs to be taken now.”

Peter Batt, Nisa’s Managing Director

Victoria Lockie, Nisa’s Head of Retail

For more information, visit https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Freedom-From-Fear/Reps-Respect-Week-Briefing-2023-NI

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Scotland introduces law to protect shop workers – will Northern Ireland follow?

Retail trade union Usdaw launched a Freedom from Fear campaign, with shocking statistics from their annual survey. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:

• 92% have experienced verbal abuse,
• 70% were threatened by a customer,
• 14% were assaulted.
• One in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, including 5% who had been assaulted.

Northern Irish voices from the frontline

These are some of the comments Northern Irish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

“People throwing things at me, being abusive about waiting times and about not wearing masks.”

“I have been called names and sexually harassed.”

“Physically slapped by a customer, spat at and had groceries thrown at me.”

“High volumes of verbal abuse when either following the Think 25 policy or refusing to serve an individual alcohol who is already under the influence.”

“Screamed at for not having stock. Basket thrown at me because we didn’t have the ready meal he wanted. Threatened to wait on me outside the store when I finished because she was unable to get a refund.”

Heart-breaking

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Northern Irish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused. Action to protect shop workers is needed.

“Today a new protection of shopworkers law comes into force in Scotland, but we are deeply disappointed that the UK Government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members. They are deeply concerned that the current high levels of abuse will become the norm, unless the Government takes urgent and meaningful action. Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The Government has promised to bring forward an amendment to their flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.”

Commenting on the survey Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “Sadly these figures of increased staff abuse come as no surprise”

“During lockdown, Retail workers put their own health at risk to ensure people could buy food and other essential items. It is shameful that so many staff have been the victim of verbal and physical abuse by customers over the last 12 months”

“We fully support USDAW’s Freedom from Fear campaign and would urge the NI Executive to follow Scotlands lead and pass legislation to give shop staff greater protection from such abuse”

Bravehearts –

Independent retailers in Scotland praise new law giving them greater protection against crime

A former police officer who was the victim of an attack in his shop has praised a landmark new law offering shop workers greater protection.

Hussan Lal, 59, was kicked in the chest when he confronted six men barging into his food shop.

At the Scottish Parliament he recently said thanks to Daniel Johnson, a Labour MSP and former retailer, who brought in a Private Members Bill to offer retailers more protection against crime.

Mr Lal, representing the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN), also paid tribute to other parties including Ash Denham, Minister for Community Safety in the Scottish Government, who agreed to turn the bill into a law which came into force at the end of August.

 New legislation

The new legislation takes effect at a time when research from the British Retail Consortium revealed that in 2020, there were 424 incidents of violence and abuse every day. Meanwhile, an Usdaw survey found that in 2020 and out of 2,729 shopworkers surveyed, 88 per cent had experienced verbal abuse, 60 per cent had been threatened by customers and 8 per cent were assaulted.

Mr Lal said: “I was proud to serve Queen and country before moving into retail. But it is not easy. Instead of charging people I am attacked and many other retailers are too. It is horrendous.

“We are grateful to Mr Johnson and other parties including Ash Denham, the Minister for Community Safety, for making this new law come about. We now have something to charge culprits with.

“But we now need the police to enforce it. I don’t criticise the police because I know where they’re coming from . I know what limited resources they have and the wide range of duties they now have. However their first duty is to protect the public.

“I had to ask six men to leave when they barged into my shop in breach of the rules that face coverings should be worn and no more than two people can be inside at a time. It was six people against one. As I was phoning the police one was kicking me in the chest. I didn’t know where it would end – if one of them would pull a knife.

 Attacks and assaults

“Police need to send someone out promptly otherwise retailers don’t feel protected and criminals are encouraged to attack again. We are assaulted and racially abused.

“We need the police and public to understand that these incidents are not minor and covid is not the main cause. Aggression predates this” Mr Lal, immediate past Scottish President in the NFRN, now runs St Mirren Food Store in Love St, Paisley.

The Protection of Workers Act aims to give greater protection to retail workers, who may be assaulted or robbed and often face aggression when they uphold the law on what time they can sell alcohol and to which age group they can sell alcohol and cigarettes. It is now a specific criminal offence to assault, threaten, abuse or obstruct them.”

The NFRN will continue to campaign for effective legal protection for shop workers  across the rest of the UK in the face of rising levels of abuse and violence.

NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “I get calls from hundreds of retailers

who are crime victims. The impact of retail crime can be devastating and longlasting – not just in terms of physical injuries but on anxiety and stress too. The government has to act and tackle retail crime once and for all so everyone working in shops have confidence in their workplace and that should a crime incident occur  they will receive the response and protection.”

Independent retailers praise new law giving them greater protection against crime
A former police officer who was the victim of an attack in his shop has praised a landmark new law offering shop workers greater protection.
Hussan Lal, 59, was kicked in the chest when he confronted six men barging into his food shop.
Mr Lai visited the Scottish Parliament today to personally thank Daniel Johnson, a Labour MSP and former retailer, who brought in a Private Members Bill to offer retailers more protection against crime.

The post Freedom from Fear -Northern Irish shopworkers speak out about violence, threats and abuse first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Store profiles include the fantastic new Newcastle EUROSPAR – where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, plus Bannside Pharmacy in Portglenone – on how community pharmacy is coping through Covid.

This edition features our regular NI Baker section – including bakery profiles on Pappy’s Dunloy, JBird on the Bloofield Avenue in Belfast and the Milestone Rathfriland on how creating and investing an in-store bakery really pays dividends.

When it comes to the best possible taste, Northern Ireland really is the cherry on top – with news from the Balmoral Show and a special profile of Indie Füde – the specialist food company with outlets in Comber and the Ormeau Road – which specialises ‘indigenous’ food – made by small, independent local procuers across Ireland.

There’s an interview with the Petrol Retailers Association CEO Brian Madderson, plus a special interview on the discounter chain Dealz (and Poundland).

With so many attacks on store owners and staff in recent times, NR hones in on the Freedom From Fear campaign – how can retailers protect themselves and their staff from harm?

With Halloween on the horizon, there’s a special confectionery feature – did you know, Northern Ireland spends more on sweet treats than any other part of the UK? We do love our wee buns in this part of the world!

Finally, with just weeks until Natasha’s Law comes in to force, the Food Standards Agency tells NR everything yu need to know.

Look out for the jam-packed September edition of Neighbourhood Retailer – dropping into your Inbox soon!

The post Taste the next issue of Neighbourhood Retailer – September edition out soon! first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Retail trade union Usdaw has launched a Freedom from Fear summer campaign week from 22-29 August, with shocking statistics from their annual survey. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:

• 92% have experienced verbal abuse,
• 70% were threatened by a customer,
• 14% were assaulted.
• One in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, including 5% who had been assaulted.

Northern Irish voices from the frontline

These are some of the comments Northern Irish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

• “People throwing things at me, being abusive about waiting times and about not wearing masks.”
• “I have been called names and sexually harassed.”
• “Physically slapped by a customer, spat at and had groceries thrown at me.”
• “High volumes of verbal abuse when either following the Think 25 policy or refusing to serve an individual alcohol who is already under the influence.”
• “Screamed at for not having stock. Basket thrown at me because we didn’t have the ready meal he wanted. Threatened to wait on me outside the store when I finished because she was unable to get a refund.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Northern Irish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused. Action to protect shop workers is needed.

“Today a new protection of shopworkers law comes into force in Scotland, but we are deeply disappointed that the UK Government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members. They are deeply concerned that the current high levels of abuse will become the norm, unless the Government takes urgent and meaningful action. Shopworkers are saying loud and clear that enough is enough. The Government has promised to bring forward an amendment to their flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.”

Commenting on the survey Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “Sadly these figures of increased staff abuse come as no surprise”

“During lockdown, Retail workers put their own health at risk to ensure people could buy food and other essential items. It is shameful that so many staff have been the victim of verbal and physical abuse by customers over the last 12 months”

“We fully support USDAW’s Freedom from Fear campaign and would urge the NI Executive to follow Scotlands lead and pass legislation to give shop staff greater protection from such abuse”

The post Freedom from Fear – Northern Ireland shopworkers speak out about abuse, violence and threats first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.