One-in-10 shopworkers physically assaulted
ONE-in-every-10 shop staff has been physically assaulted at work by angry shoppers. The shock figure is revealed today in the latest survey from the shopworkers’ union Usdaw which is lobbying MPs for more police patrols in high streets
ONE-in-every-10 shop staff has been physically assaulted at work by angry shoppers.
The shock figure is revealed today in the latest survey from the shopworkers' union Usdaw.
The union has launched a public campaign in the run-up to Christmas and is lobbying MPs for more police and community support officers in high streets and shopping centres.
Nearly a third of all staff have experienced verbal abuse in the last month, while a third have been threatened at some time in the past 12 months, according to Usdaw.
"This is totally unacceptable," said general secretary John Hannett.
"Shopworkers are all too often assaulted, threatened and abused. They're in a pressurised environment in the run-up to Christmas with increased sales and more stressed-out customers."
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The union is running 'awareness' events in stores to take the campaign to the public. Shoppers are being asked to pledge to 'keep cool at Christmas.'