Small Business Minister Paul Scully said he is “deeply shocked” by the reports of violence and abuse suffered by retailers and their colleagues.
Replying to a letter from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), Scully commended “the tremendous effort” retailers have made in adapting and innovating during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would personally like to thank all your members who have continued to provide an exemplary service in such challenging circumstances. I also wish to pay particular tribute to those retailers that have gone out of their way to support the more vulnerable members of the community during this time,” he said in the letter.
While expressing his shock over the violence and abuse aimed at shop workers, the minister acknowledged that many independent retailers do not have the resources to safely enforce Covid safety measures, which often act as a trigger for violence.
“I fully appreciate that it is incredibly difficult for convenience stores to ensure their customers remain fully compliant, given the lack of resources available to small retailers,” he said.
Scully added that the government will work closely with the National Retail Crime Steering Group on actions identified in the call for evidence on the issue, conducted by the Home Office.
Commenting, James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: “We welcome the minister’s recognition of the incredible work that convenience stores have put in to keep their communities going over the past year, which is why the torrent of abuse and violence facing those on the front line working in local shops is especially abhorrent. No one should have to face abuse or violence as part of their job, and more needs to be done to ensure that those who commit offences against retailers and their colleagues are dealt with properly.”
The Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill presented by Alex Norris MP is currently awaiting a second reading in the parliament. The bill seeks to create a statutory aggravation for assaults against retail workers, which would increase the options for more serious sentences for those convicted.
