Shopworkers need freedom from fear

Over a million shopworkers have been assaulted, threatened or abused in the last year, according to a survey of members by the shopworkers’ union Usdaw.

The survey shows that in the past 12 months, a massive 70% had suffered verbal abuse, while more than a third (37%) had been threatened with harm and an unacceptable 6% had been subjected to violent attack.

Usdaw said that, while reported incidents of assault are slightly down, incidents of threats and abuse have increased since last year.

General Secretary John Hannett said the figures were “shocking” and showed that the union’s Freedom from Fear campaign was needed more than ever.

“Our campaign, working in partnership with employers, government, police and other agencies has made a real difference and the workplaces where we organise are probably the safest in retail,” Hannett said. “However, the sad fact remains that every minute of every working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked. It is simply unacceptable.”

www.usdaw.org.uk/newsevents/news/2010/october/overamillionshopworkers.aspx