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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The PSNI has announced it is supporting the national campaign across Northern Ireland by reminding customers here of the importance of being considerate to shop workers and each other.

It is appealing to everyone to acknowledge the important role of shop workers, and raise awareness about the scale and impact of violence and abuse against them.

ABUSE OF SHOP WORKERS
The campaign was launched just as new consumer polling conducted for the #ShopKind campaign reveals that more than one in three people believes shopping has become more frustrating as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, with 36% of customers having personally witnessed a shop worker being verbally or physically abused by another customer.

Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones, the Police Service’s Business Crime lead, said: “As part of this week’s national ShopKind campaign, we are keen to highlight the impact of such abuse and violence against shop workers, and remind those who engage in such unacceptable behaviour that this may constitute an offence and will be dealt with robustly.

“We want to encourage people in the community to practice positive behaviour when they are in shops, and to acknowledge the important role that shop workers play, and treat them with respect and kindness.”

‘VITAL ROLE’

Chief Superintendent Jones also urged people to report offences to police, and to reach out to their local neighbourhood and crime prevention officers should they have any concerns.

He continued: “We believe everyone has the right to feel safe from crime, whether it’s at home, whilst out and about, or in their place of work. Shop workers play a vital role in our community and should never have to endure abuse, let alone violence, as part of their working lives.

‘We want to reassure those in the retail sector that we are here to support and work with you to protect employees’

“Everyone has the right to go to work without the fear of violence or intimidation, and there is no excuse to treat shop workers with anything but dignity and respect.

“We want to reassure those in the retail sector that we are here to support and work with you to protect employees.”

Chief Superintendent Jones added: “If you have any information about someone who is abusive or violent towards retail workers, please let Crimestoppers know 100% anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111, or by completing a simple and secure Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

‘KEY WORKERS’

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “Retail NI fully support the ShopKind campaign, which brings together voices from across the retail sector, politicians and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to promote a message of respect for shop workers. Our colleagues, USDAW’s annual survey found that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail suffered verbal abuse last year, with far too many being threatened or assaulted.

“These are key workers delivering essential services and we stand together to say that abuse should not be a part of their job.

“We need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need to report incidents. This week of action is a great step towards that aim.”

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The British Retail Consortium said the number of incidents surged to 1,301 each day in the year to March 2021 – the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, which was dominated by social distancing and face mask rules.

This is compared to 455 per day in the previous year and took place at a time when non-essential shops were closed, meaning that the abuse was concentrated in a smaller number of premises.

Helen Dickinson, the consortium’s chief executive, said: “These figures make particularly grim reading as they came at the height of the pandemic when the ‘hidden heroes’ of retail were working tirelessly to look after customers, keep shelves stocked, and ensure orders were fulfilled.

“As our colleagues implemented COVID safety measures to keep the public safe, too many were met with hostility, abuse, threats and assault.”

The BRC figures showed that 125 incidents each day involved violence but only 4% of incidents resulted in prosecution.

The price of dealing with retail crime also leapt to £1.5bn for the year, which included £663m in losses due to customer theft, and £715m spent on crime prevention.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis said: This BRC survey is further confirmation of the scale of the problem retail staff face on a daily basis and back up findings in Usdaw’s latest research. Our research found that 9 in 10 retail workers suffered abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“Particularly concerning was the one-third increase in assaults, up from 9% in 2020 to 12% in 2021. So, it is extremely worrying that nearly two-thirds said they were not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference.

“As the cost of living crisis bites things could get worse. We know from previous experience that when things get tough, shoplifting goes up, which is a concern for our members as it can be a further trigger for violence and abuse.

“Although the situation is bleak, there are some early signs that our work with retail employers may be starting to make a difference. The Protection of Workers Act came into force in Scotland in August 2021. Figures released earlier this month show that 1,600 cases of abuse have been reported to the police.

“While we still do not have similar laws for England, Wales or Northern Ireland, from August, assaulting a public serving worker will become statutory aggravating factor when sentencing.

“However, faced with such appallingly high levels of violence and abuse, and with shopworkers’ almost complete lack of confidence in the ability of the system to give them the protection they need, much more needs to be done.

“The Government must provide the co-ordination needed to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safe places for our members to work and for customers to shop.”

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This is different from the compulsory National Living Wage, which is currently £8.91 an hour for anyone over the age of 23. Real Living Wage employers in London will pay £11.05 an hour, a 20p rise.

Latest research by the Living Wage Foundation shows that there are still 4.8 million jobs – 17.1% of all employees – still paying less than the Real Living Wage in the UK.

Northern Ireland had the highest proportion of jobs paying below the Living Wage at 21.3%, while south-east England had the lowest at 12.8%.

Workers from ethnic minority groups are also more likely to be low-paid, with 19.4% of these workers earning below the Living Wage, compared with 16.3% of white workers.

Almost 9,000 employers throughout the country have signed up to the policy – 3,000 of them during the pandemic.

Companies include half of the FTSE 100 and big household names such as Everton Football Club, insurer Aviva, luxury goods brand Burberry and the Nationwide building society.

The recommended rate is intended to ensure all staff earn a wage that meets the real cost of living and covers everyday needs.

The Living Wage Foundation’s director, Katherine Chapman, said the new pay rates, which apply from Monday, would “provide hundreds of thousands of workers and their families with greater security and stability”.

“It is still a pound, two pounds higher than the [national] minimum wage and that makes a huge difference. That means not having to worry about putting food on the table, or paying the bills at the end of the month.

“And we’ve seen record numbers of employers signing up this year because ultimately they want to do the right thing by their workers.”

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said that the organisation’s report showed that low pay was “endemic”, with millions of workers in jobs that do not fully cover their bills.

“With Britain in the middle of a cost-of-living crunch, it’s time for the government to act,” she said.

“Ministers must start by increasing the minimum wage to £10 immediately, banning zero hours contracts and giving trade unions greater access to workplaces to negotiate improved pay and conditions.”

At the Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the National Living Wage will increase next year by 6.6%, to £9.50 an hour. The Universal Credit taper rate will also be cut, allowing claimants to keep more of the payment.

Usdaw leader Paddy Lillis said that the new rate of £9.90 per hour and £11.05 in London was welcome but that the union would continue to call for at least £10 per hour for all ages.

He added: “Many of the key workers who have helped us through the pandemic earn less than the real Living Wage.

“The public’s appreciation for the efforts of key workers delivering essential services is welcome, but that doesn’t pay the rent or put food on the table.

 “So the new Living Wage rates are welcome, which are based on an individual’s cost of living and clearly show that the Government’s so-called ‘National Living Wage’ is nothing of the sort.

“Usdaw has consistently campaigned for at least £10 per hour immediately for all workers over 16, which would abolish rip-off youth rates.

“If you’re old enough to do the job, you’re old enough to be paid the rate for the job.”

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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.