Trade Usdaw has welcomed the introduction of a new anti-retail violence Bill. 

The Abuse of Public-Facing Workers (Offences) Bill, which has been launched by Labour MP Olivia Blake, will make the verbal or physical abuse of public-facing workers whilst at work its own unique offence.  

As a result, the trade union is urging Ministers to back the Bill and display support for retail workers after their time spent on the Covid-19 pandemic frontlines.  

The Bill is scheduled for a second reading on January 28 2022, after its introduction to the House of Commons on September 15 2021.  

READ MORE: Scottish retail workers welcome new anti-violence law

“If the existing legislation reflects the situation in which we’re seeing spiralling levels of abuse, then it is time that we changed it because the status quo simply isn’t working,” Blake said.  

“It should be an unalienable right to be treated with respect and dignity in your workplace, but many people feel they are ignored by a system which doesn’t care about them.”  

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis added: “We are grateful to Olivia Blake for proposing new legislation that would help protect all public-facing workers from abuse. 

“However, we are under no illusion and understand that this bill stands little chance of being successful without Government support, so we urge Ministers to get behind the measure. 

“These essential workers deserve to be treated with respect, and they deserve the protection of the law.” 

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