Report shows that violence and abuse plague retail sector

A shopworker is attacked every hour of the working day, according to a new survey by shopworkers' union USDAW.

The union reports that workers have been pistol-whipped, stabbed with knives and broken bottles, and beaten with baseball bats.

Voices from the frontline, published this month, says that nearly half (47%) of those surveyed reported physical assaults on staff in the last 12 months. And nearly three-quarters (72%) said that staff had been threatened with violence over the last year.

Over a third (36%) said verbal abuse was a daily occurrence and nearly two-thirds (59%) reported that it happened at least once a week.

The findings support figures in the British Retail Crime Survey (2001), that uncovered 20,000 incidents of physical assault. The survey also found that 78% of retailers experienced threats of physical violence.

USDAW deputy general secretary John Hannett said: "The report highlights the shocking extent of violence and the even more common problem of verbal abuse. However, the report is a forward-looking document which also gives examples of positive action to deal with the problem."

For copies of Voices from the frontline and more information about USDAW's "Freedom from Fear" campaign, write to USDAW Freepost, Manchester M14 7DJ or visit the website www.usdaw.org.uk