Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Deferred
Paragraph: 150
Retail workers face heightened and unique risks of violence and abuse from repeat offenders.
Conclusion
Retail workers, by the very nature of their employment, are placed at an increased risk of violence and abuse compared to members of the general public. They are 68 Violence and abuse towards retail workers vulnerable to repeat offenders who are able to return time and again to stores, compounding abuse and leaving them feeling trapped and fearful in their place of work. The uniquely local nature of their employment means that retail workers face the terrifying prospect of offenders following them home or extending abuse into other parts of their lives in the local community.
Government Response Summary
The government expresses understanding and sympathy for retail workers facing abuse, acknowledging existing legal protections. They commit to considering an amendment in the Lords and reviewing the Scottish Protection of Workers Act to potentially address the identified unique vulnerabilities.
Paragraph Reference:
150
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.