Shopworkers endure impact of 'retail crime epidemic'

Seven in 10 incidents of threats and violence against shopworkers are triggered by theft.

The finding is contained in new figures released by the Usdaw retail union last month during its 2024 Respect for Shop Workers Week.

Interim results from Usdaw’s 2024 Freedom from Fear survey of more than 4,000 retail staff also showed that more than 69% had experienced verbal abuse, 45% were threatened by a customer and 17% were assaulted.

The union said its members were experiencing a “retail crime epidemic”, with organised crime gangs stealing to order.

Police recorded a 29% increase in shoplifting over the year to June 2024.

“Our survey demonstrates that theft from shops is not a victimless crime, with incidents regularly being a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shop workers,” said Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis.

The union welcomed the Labour government’s Crime and Policing Bill.

This will provide a “much-needed” law for the protection of shopworkers, end the “indefensible” £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters and include town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.