SHOPWORKERS report that rates of violence and abuse are worsening with nearly two-thirds of retail staff having been victims of a physical or verbal attack, Usdaw warned the Home Office.

Almost a quarter of respondents to the union’s survey described threats of physical violence, with over half involving weapons such as knives, syringes or bottles.

Of the 3,272 respondents, 15 per cent describe instances of physical violence such as being pushed, spat on, punched, kicked or attacked with weapons. 

One worker reported being dragged out of the store and battered by a group of five men and being punched and kicked by a gang of teenagers.

He also said that he has been followed home after late-night shifts, had a knife pulled out on them three times, had to wrestle needles out of drug addicts’ hands to prevent harm to colleagues, as well as experiencing verbal abuse on a daily basis.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said the survey reveals the need for urgent action.

He said members often attributed the rise in violence to an increased lack of respect or a greater sense of entitlement, with others mentioning the effects of austerity and associated financial hardship.

Mr Lillis said: “Our message is clear — abuse is not a part of the job. We continue to call for stiffer penalties for those who assault shopworkers and the introduction of a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, courts and most importantly criminals.

“Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected. They deserve the protection of the law.”

Usdaw also warned that there was little hope that the next Conservative prime minister would take the significant action needed to save shops and the local communities that depend on them.