Government votes down shop worker protection amendment to PCSC Bill

Trade bodies have come down heavily on the government as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill to protect shop workers from attacks was voted down yesterday.

The NC 31 amendment, proposed by Shadow Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP to create a new offence for assaulting a retail worker, was defeated by 350 votes to 233. Another clause looking to bring in similar provisions (NC 90) was withdrawn.

Speaking during the debate, Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins reiterated the existing powers available to the government on dealing with violence and abuse in the courts, but noted that the government wants to “make it clear that it is not complacent about this, and is considering an amendment on this issue if appropriate in the Lords”.

Commenting, ACS chief executive James Lowman noted that the existing legislation no longer works as a deterrent for offenders.

“We are disappointed that the government has again refused to action bring to justice those who attack shop workers. These offences must not be tolerated, and it’s clear that the existing legislation does not go far enough to deter offenders,” he said.

“We urge the government to take forward the recommendations made by the Home Affairs Committee, which include not just a new offence, but a wide range of measures to stop reoffending, intervene with rehabilitation for those with addiction, and increase reporting and response rates.”

Expressing their disappointment, retail trade union Usdaw have also called on the government to deliver on their promise to bring forward an amendment in the House of Lords.

“MPs had the opportunity to back a new law to protect shop workers, which is supported by our members, customers and retailers. We are deeply disappointed that they let that opportunity pass them by at a time when our members are facing unprecedented levels of violence, threats and abuse,” Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said.

“However the minister promised twice during the debate that they would bring forward an amendment in the House of Lords and we urge the Government to keep to their word and ensure that the measure they bring forward will be substantial and deliver much needed protections.”

The vote comes just days after the influential Home Affairs Select Committee, led by Yvette Cooper MP, made a series of recommendations to better protect shop workers, including the introduction of a new offence for attacking a shop worker.