SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation that work is underway to make assault of shop workers a criminal offence.
Responding to an Assembly Question tabled by Mr Durkan, Justice Minister Naomi Long confirmed that she intends to introduce an offence of assaulting a frontline worker as part of the Sentencing Bill and will consider further protections for workers.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Tougher action on those who commit assault on frontline workers is absolutely essential.
“Staff have witnessed a massive increase in abuse, threats and violence while at work; according to a survey conducted by Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), 90% of respondents have been assaulted within the last year.
“That is absolutely horrendous – all workers deserve respect and deserve to work a safe environment without the fear of violence.
“Shop-workers are the beating heart of the local economy, throughout the pandemic when the going got tough, they kept going.
“Their job doesn’t stop ensuring shelves and rails are stocked or manning a till.
“Face to face customer service is sadly becoming a rarer thing in today’s world, for many of the older generation, their weekly shop outing may be the only human interaction they may have.
“The daily encounters and kindness provided by staff means a lot to so many.
“It’s imperative that we take a stand against the unacceptable trend of violence and abuse directed towards retail workers.
“I welcome moves from the Justice Minister to toughen existing legislation and protections which I hope will be progressed as soon as possible.
“We need to send a clear message to perpetrators that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Every worker deserves to feel safe and respected.
“It’s time we take concrete steps to protect those who serve our communities.”
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