UK shopworkers face barrage of abuse every week

An
average week for a shopworker often includes high levels of verbal abuse,
threats of violence and, in worst cases, physical attacks, a survey published
today has revealed.

Asked
to record every incident over a week-long period, shop staff across the UK
listed a catalogue of abusive, anti-social and violent behaviour by customers.

The
survey, by shopworkers’ union Usdaw, details incidents within a seven-day
period in June. A random sample of 660 shopworkers reported:

•
887 incidents of verbal abuse

•
224 threats (including threats to kill, stab and punch, and arson)

•
107 cases of violence

•
48 incidents of sexual harassment

•
32 incidents of racial abuse

Usdaw
general secretary, John Hannett, said: "Usdaw’s survey has revealed that
many shopworkers are going to work in fear of being a victim of violence,
threats or abuse – and that is totally unacceptable.

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"Usdaw
is calling for the introduction of a compulsory proof of age scheme because,
without doubt, the continued absence of such a scheme is putting shopworkers’
safety at risk. Refusing to sell alcohol and cigarettes to under-age customers
is a major flashpoint in stores."

By Mike Berry