Co-op urges government intervention after attacks on staff increase

Speaking on the one-year anniversary of the government’s call for evidence on violence against shop staff, Co-op food boss Jo Whitfield said the numbers of incidents had hit record levels during the pandemic and called on the government to urgently intervene.

The retailer reported 1,350 attacks against its staff by mid-June and claimed workers had been “spat at and threatened with being ‘given coronavirus’” during the lockdown.

That number of attacks represents a 140% increase on violent incidents this year compared with last.

The Co-op has now called on the government to support Labour MP Alex Norris’ Assaults on Retail Workers Bill. Norris’ bill was introduced in mid-March, but its passage through Parliament has since been halted.

As part of its Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities campaign, 600 Co-op staff have filmed short videos about attacks against them while at work, which will be shared on social media asking MPs for support for the bill.

The Co-op’s Whitfield said: “The role played by shop workers in serving their communities, particularly doing the last 12 weeks, is nothing short of amazing and they have rightly been deemed as key workers who are playing an essential role in keeping the nation fed.

“Yet, despite this recognition, they are continually disrespected and have to contend with unprecedented levels of violence and abuse on a daily basis. This is not a Co-op problem; it’s a societal one that all retailers are concerned about.

“So, today, I’m calling upon MPs to support their constituents in backing Alex Norris’ bill and I will also be asking my peers at other retailers to do the same. Enough is enough – store workers need to know that the government is serious about tackling this issue and, as an industry, we must be united in protecting our workers.”

Whitfield’s call for action has been echoed by shop workers’ union boss Paddy Lillis, who said: “At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that people working to keep food on the shelves for their local communities are being abused and assaulted. Urgent action is required. Our message is clear: abuse is not part of the job.

“We want the government to legislate for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers – a simple standalone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, CPS, the judiciary and, most importantly, criminals. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected; they deserve the protection of the law.”