Almost 300 cases of abuse against shopworkers in Scotland were reported to police in the first three months of a new law protecting them coming into force.
The Protection of Workers Act makes it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse a retail worker as they’re going about their job. It also means if the worker is carrying out mandatory duties such as age verification at the time of the attack – which has become a significant trigger of abuse towards staff – tougher penalties for aggravated assault could be imposed.
Since it took effect in August, statistics from the Scottish Business Resilience Centre show that 285 incidents of threats and abuse in shops were reported to Police Scotland, all of which are being investigated.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation said the data shows store owners and their staff are “unafraid to use it” now Police Scotland are tracking cases of retail crime for the first time.
The trade body continues to urge members to report every incident as part of its Don’t Put Up With It campaign against retail crime to ensure the legislation works effectively.
Community safety minister Ash Regan said improved recording of data would help understand the extent of the problem of attacks on retail workers while highlighting issues around the sale of age-restricted goods to the courts.
“What’s more, it’s reassuring to see how serious Police Scotland are treating the complaints made, with every incident reported either having been investigated or under active investigation,” said SGF head of policy John Lee. “This gives retailers confidence that these crimes are being taken seriously.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe at work. Far too many retail workers, however, are left terrified by the trouble they are forced to deal with. No one should have to put up with becoming a victim of crime simply for doing their job.
“This law proves that abusing and threatening shop staff will not be tolerated. Levels of awareness among retailers are clearly high. We are grateful for the support and encourage retailers to continue reporting every crime recorded in their shops. Don’t put up with it.”
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis added: “Usdaw’s message to members has long been ‘Report it to sort it’, so we welcome that the new law in Scotland is encouraging reporting. However, it is a disgrace that retail staff are still suffering too many incidents of violence, threats and abuse from a significant minority of customers and we continue to urge the shopping public to respect shopworkers.
“We need the Scottish government, police and retailers to continue to promote the new law. We want the public to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable and will land them with stiffer penalties. The protection of shopworkers legislation in Scotland should result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”
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