Nisa welcomes bill for protection of shopworkers

Nisa has welcomed proposals in the Kings’ Speech to introduce a bill to protect retail workers against abuse and assault.

The Kings’ Speech is the first major opportunity for the new Labour government to set out its legislative agenda for the coming year. As widely predicted, the government said it intends to introduce a separate offence for assaulting a retail worker in its Crime & Policing Bill.

Welcoming the proposals, Peter Batt, Nisa MD said, “It's encouraging to see the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers, especially after much campaigning from industry. However, it is crucial that independent retailers are included in these protections and are able to share in the additional police resourcing.

"The 2024 ACS Crime Report revealed 87 per cent of colleagues in convenience stores, many of which are independently owned, faced verbal abuse, including around 76,000 violent incidents against retail staff. Independent shops play a vital role on our high streets and deserve the same protection and support.

"We must ensure that all retail workers, including those in independent stores, feel safe and protected. Let's not leave them behind.”

Retailer Benedict Selvaratnam

Nisa retailer Ben Selvaratnam, owner of Freshfields Market in Croydon said, “As an Independent store owner, I've witnessed firsthand the significant rise in retail crime, which has become an almost daily challenge for us. We face between three to ten theft attempts daily, which not only strains our finances but also impact the wellbeing of our staff and the overall community atmosphere.

"This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction. The rise in assaults and abuse towards retail workers is alarming and unacceptable. For small, independent retailers such as myself, the lack of adequate protection and response from authorities has been a persistent issue.

"Implementing standalone laws to make assaulting retail workers a crime will hopefully serve as a strong deterrent and provide the necessary legal framework to ensure offenders are appropriately penalised.”

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