Retailers across the UK are rallying for the implementation of laws mirroring Scotland’s recent success in protecting store staff. The Scottish legislation, established in August 2021, introduced a standalone offence to counter the rising violence faced by retail workers.
Since its enactment, Police Scotland reported a significant 50% year-on-year surge in assaults on store staff. Statistics for 2023 up to November revealed 2,233 reported assaults, averaging 203 monthly, alongside a parallel 50% rise in threatening or abusive incidents (2,582 reports).
The unanimous support received by the Protection of Workers Act in Scotland has prompted calls for similar legislation across the UK. Stakeholders argue that adopting this approach nationwide would lead to more stringent penalties, increased deterrence, and improved data collection by law enforcement.
The British Retail Consortium, noting the success of the standalone offence, emphasizes the need for a separate law. According to their comprehensive crime survey, which aggregates self-reported incidents nationwide, there are 850 daily cases of violence and abuse.
Advocates assert that a distinct offence would empower police to better understand and address the magnitude of the issue. The shopworkers’ union Usdaw echoes these sentiments, underscoring the urgency of tackling the escalating problem of shoplifting, which has become a «major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers.
