Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Starmer vows to get tough on retail crime

Starmer vows to get tough on retail crime
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks on day three of the Trades Union Congress on September 10, 2024 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)

Labour would “go further” to crack down on rising retail crime and shopworker abuse, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the Trade Unions Conference on Tuesday (10).

Addressing the delegates at annual Trades Union Congress in Brighton, Starmer expressed concern to the rising retail crime levels in the country.


Responding to a question from Usdaw on abuse of shop workers, Starmer siad, "On the question of offences against retail workers, this truly is shocking. Usdaw has a very important campaign on this, and [General Secretary] Paddy Lillis raises it with me pretty well every time we meet - and rightly so. It is not acceptable, and it can’t be acceptable in any circumstances. It is demoralising for the workforce, and that’s why I’m pleased we can introduce an offence to deal with it.

“But we have to go further than that. We can’t have the situation where shoplifters can walk in, shoplift and walk back out again and nobody can do anything about it. We’re going to change that, work with you. We have to take it seriously. I’m not wanting to hear again from those on the front line about the appalling attacks and insults that they are subjected to.

“It’s everywhere across the country; it is really hard for the workforce to take. You have rightly championed it as a cause. We join in that cause and we will do something about it, working with trade unions on such an important issue.”

Usdaw President Jane Jones asked, “I work in retail and increasing levels of violence, threats and abuse are a massive concern for me and my colleagues. Labour's welcome commitment to introduce a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker will send out a clear message that this Government takes retail crime seriously."

Speaking after the speech in the Brighton Centre, Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary said, “Keir’s address was an honest account of where our broken economy stands, after it was trashed by the Conservatives. He laid bare the hard work and tough choices that will have to be taken as we head towards the light at the end of the tunnel, to deliver new hope for the country."

More for you

Retailers must brace for 'spending squeeze' as consumer confidence 'nosedives'

Retailers must brace for 'spending squeeze' as consumer confidence 'nosedives'

Retailers could find themselves facing a New Year spending squeeze as public confidence in the state of the economy took a nosedive, show recent industry data.

According to BRC-Opinium data released today (23), consumer expectations over the next three months of their personal financial situation remained at -3 in December, the same as in November.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spreading joy: Convenience retailers shine bright this Christmas

One Stop Carlton Convenience store

Spreading joy: Convenience retailers shine bright this Christmas

With Christmas spirit in full swing, convenience retailers across the UK are stepping up to spread joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness within their communities.

From heartwarming events to dazzling decorations, convenience stores are going beyond their daily operations to create magical moments for customers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bestway turns to CVA to shed vacant shops

Bestway turns to CVA to shed vacant shops

Bestway Group is turning to a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to exit about 35 vacant shops which previously traded as Bargain Booze and Wine Rack off-licences, stated recent reports.

According to Sky News, Bestway Group has informed landlords about plans for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for its Bestway Retail arm as it wanted to exit dozens of leases tied to shops which lie vacant within its retail estate.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sugro UK enables member wholesalers get essential equipment savings
Sugro UK

Sugro UK enables member wholesalers get essential equipment savings

Sugro UK, member-owned buying and marketing group with over 90 members and a combined turnover of over £2.5 billion, has further enhanced its membership offering by giving wholesalers within the group an opportunity to source and save on essential equipment items for their business needs.

Under the new partnership, Sugro members will now have access to their own dedicated account manager at Partington Engineering Limited Ltd who will guide them through a range of solutions to save time and money on moving and storing goods.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trade union calls for 'respect, decent break' for retail staff

iStock image

Trade union calls for 'respect, decent break' for retail staff

Retail trade union Usdaw today (23) called on the shopping public to show respect for shop workers, stating that the busy pre-Christmas shopping period leaves retail workers exhausted and in need of a proper break.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says, “By the time retail workers get to Christmas Eve, they will have been through a very busy run-up to Christmas. Our members tell us that incidents of verbal abuse are much worse in December and through to the New Year, when shops are busy, customers are stressed and things can boil over.

Keep ReadingShow less