Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Deferred
Paragraph: 15
Appalling daily abuse of retail workers is unacceptable, compounded by unique vulnerability.
Conclusion
The appalling abuse suffered by retail workers on a daily basis is completely unacceptable. Abuse should never be “simply part of the job” or accepted as a “norm” in any workplace. The unique vulnerability of retail workers, who face being confronted with repeat offenders who live in their local area, compounds the severity and regularity of these offences.
Government Response Summary
The government expresses sympathy and states that existing offences and sentencing guidelines already address violence against retail workers. However, it also commits to consider a legislative amendment in the Lords, taking into account the Scottish Act, in response to the ongoing issue.
Paragraph Reference:
15
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government completely understands and sympathises with all workers who serve the public that face violence and other forms of abuse. A wide range of offences already exist that cover assaults against any worker, including retail workers. Such offences include common assault, actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, harassment and other public order offences, all of which criminalise threatening or abusive behaviour intended to harass, alarm or distress a person. In addition, courts have a statutory duty to follow sentencing guidelines, which are clear that the fact an offence has been committed against those working in the public sector or providing a service to the public should be treated as an aggravating factor during sentencing, meriting an increased sentence. However, the Government is not complacent about ensuring criminal law is fit for purpose. In response to an amendment tabled to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on 5 July 2021, the Minister for Safeguarding, Victoria Atkins MP committed to consider an amendment in the Lords if appropriate. We will take into account the text of the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 in our consideration.