Eluned and Joyce back Christmas campaign to respect shop workers

Local Labour Senedd Members Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson are backing a union campaign to respect shop workers during the busy festive period.

Shoppers are being reminded to be kind and respectful to retail staff in the run up to Christmas. Whilst tensions are always higher during this busy shopping period, everyone deserves courtesy and to be safe at work.

A recent survey by the shopworkers’ union, USDAW, revealed that almost half of shopworkers had been threatened, and around seven in 10 had experienced verbal abuse over a 12-month period, with theft from shops playing a part in many incidents.

More than 120,000 people in Wales work in the retail sector and they provide a vital service for consumers in communities across the nation.

USDAW’s Freedom From Fear Campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against workers. By raising awareness that this is unacceptable behaviour, it aims to give workers the confidence to speak out, report abuse and not accept it as part of the job.

Joyce Watson MS (Mid and West Wales) recently met USDAW campaigners who briefed her on the situation.

Mrs Watson said: “I am proud to promote USDAW’s annual Freedom From Fear campaign. I have heard shocking stories from shop workers about the nastiness and intimidation they face all too frequently.

“I am asking everyone to treat shop workers as you would like to be treated, particularly during the Christmas rush.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “The Welsh Government is committed to fair work practices for all workers in Wales. We firmly believe that abuse should never be part of the job. This highlights how important our social partnership arrangements between retailers, unions and government are for improving the wellbeing of workers.”

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans said: “We recognise the seasonal pressures on retail as people across Wales prepare for Christmas. The Welsh Government and our partners on the Retail Forum are working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioners and Welsh police forces to ensure our shopworkers are safe at work, and able to serve Welsh consumers, free from fear over Christmas and into the New Year.”