A Tesco worker in the Highlands has described the daily abuse shop staff endure, as new legislation targeting violence against retail employees comes into force in Scotland. Darroch Logan, a Usdaw union representative at the Tain branch, said he and colleagues have been subjected to foul language and aggression, particularly during the pandemic.
“We’ve had incidents where people have got angry at stock shortages or having to stand behind lines,” Mr Logan said. He added that workers have gone home in tears after being abused, and that his wife allows him a “10-minute angry session” when he gets home.
The Protection of Workers Act, championed by Labour MSP Daniel Johnson, makes it a specific offence to assault, abuse or threaten retail staff. The law applies across Scotland and follows widespread calls for greater protection.
A UK-wide Usdaw survey found 92% of retail staff experienced verbal abuse in the past year, 70% were threatened, and 14% were physically assaulted. One worker in the Lothians reported having “stuff thrown at me” and being “kicked into a machine”; another in Glasgow said a bottle was “held over my head” while on the till.
Usdaw’s Scottish regional secretary Tracy Gilbert urged staff to report incidents: “Report it to sort it.” Dr John Lee of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation said reporting every incident sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated. Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis called on the UK government to introduce similar laws in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
