The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has briefed peers ahead of the second reading of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (PCSC) in the House of Lords, calling for the government to consider amendments which would introduce tougher sentencing for attacks against shopworkers.
In its briefing to peers, ACS outlines the scale and impact of violence and abuse against shopworkers, with over 40,000 shopworkers experiencing violence and 89% experiencing verbal abuse over the past year.
ACS is calling on the government to introduce an amendment that would enforce tougher penalties for attacks on individuals serving the public.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Last week, the government responded to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s report on violence and abuse towards retail workers and once again failed to commit to introducing a new separate offence for attacks on shopworkers.
“We are calling on the government to take urgent and decisive action to consider amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to create a separate offence for attacks on shopworkers and provide our colleagues with the protection that they desperately need.”
ACS is currently co-ordinating with the Home Office, Crimestoppers and over 100 leading retailers in the UK on the ShopKind campaign, urging consumers to be respectful of others whilst in stores. Campaign materials for retailers are available to download on the NBCC (National Business Crime Centre) website here.
No comments yet