Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, has joined forces with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to call for a clear plan to protect retail workers after a recent survey showed that 115 retail staff are physically attacked in their place of work every day.
One retailer – who wished to remain anonymous – with a number of outlets across the Stockton on Tees Borough, noted an 82% increase in physical attacks amongst employees in 2019 compared to the previous year.
Now Alex, alongside the BRC and other MPs, are calling for legislation through the Serious Violence Bill to protect retail workers. Writing to Kit Malthouse MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service, Alex has asked the Government to publish its response its Call for Evidence consultation on violence and abuse towards retail staff. In the letter, Alex expresses his hope that the response will provide “effective solutions outlined and a clear plan for delivering change on the ground”.
The retail industry spends around £1 billion per year to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence against employees.
Alex said:
The retail industry provides employment to over 4,000 constituents of Stockton North, and plays a huge stake in society. It is seeing an increasing epidemic of violence and retail staff are fearful of going to work.
This is utterly unacceptable. Everyone should feel safe while at work, and no one should be subject to violence. It’s time for the Government to act and protect retail workers.
