Rotherham Labour Labour Councillors in Rotherham
Labour councillors in Swinton met with Chris Cliff, store manager of Swinton Co-op during Respect for Shop Workers Week to discuss the rising abuse facing retailer workers.
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) organise the week to raise awareness of the verbal and physical abuse faced by many who work in our local shops, sometimes daily.
As part of the week, the union released some shocking statistics following a survey of over 3000 members and found that:
- 65% have experienced verbal abuse.
- 42% were threatened by a customer.
- 5% were assaulted.
- 60% of these incidents were triggered by shoplifting and two-thirds of those were linked to addiction.
Local Councillors were invited to the local co-op store to discuss these findings and reiterate the aim that everyone should feel safe going to work.
“We heard how the local Co-op has suffered from a number of thefts. This has an effect on staff, particularly if violence is involved. Everyone should feel safe at work, no matter where that is.” said Cllr Victoria Cusworth.
Cllr Gina Monk commented “Shops are key hubs on the high street. It’s important that they remain safe spaces for everyone and that any crime and anti-social behaviour is dealt with swiftly and properly by the police.”
