North West TUC 2023: Usdaw calls for protection of retail workers from abuse, threats and violence

RETAIL trade union Usdaw has a delegation attending the North West Trades Union Congress (TUC) starting on:- Saturday, 25 March 2023, in Warrington. The union is calling for action to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse.

Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says:- "We are deeply concerned by the alarming level of abuse faced by retail workers on a daily basis. Research by Usdaw has found that three-quarters of retail workers are suffering abuse from customers. These experiences are having a severe impact on mental health, with over 40% stating that the issue has caused them anxiety about work and nearly a third are considering quitting their job. While the number of instances of abuse faced by retail workers has reduced following the removal of Covid measures, data shows they have not fallen back to pre-Pandemic levels. Women, young and Black workers are disproportionately impacted and often on the receiving end of the worst types of abuse. Crimes against business remain the main trigger for violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. There needs to be urgent action to tackle retail crime through raising awareness among the shopping public and ensuring local Police forces have proactive strategies in place to deal with the issue."

Usdaw is calling on the North West TUC to:-

• Support Usdaw's Freedom From Fear Campaign; highlighting the issues faced by those in retail and encouraging retail workers to report all incidents of abuse.
   

• Engage with Police and Crime Commissioners to develop effective strategies to tackle retail crime.
   

• Make the case to employers to protect retail workers and enforce zero tolerance policies in stores.
   

• As part of a new deal for workers, campaign to makes stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need to report abuse.

50 million Brits set to drink in British pubs over the Coronation weekend, with a record 36.1 million pints forecast to be pulled

THE great British pub will be the unofficial centrepiece of the King's Coronation this year, with millions of people set to descend on their local, to mark the beginning of the Carolean era.

With 75% of patriotic pubgoers saying they'll celebrate in the pub, 70% of those not so keen on the pomp and circumstance, still plan on visiting their local. This could mean record numbers of nearly 50 million people enjoying the festivities at the pub.

Not surprisingly London's pubs will be the busiest, with:- 1 in 5 Brits planning on visiting the Capital at some point during the weekend, although ⅓ of Brits plan on staying local; a welcome boost for economies across the UK.

The research has been carried out by Star Pubs and Bars, the pub business of HEINEKEN. The 3rd largest pub company in the UK has:- 2,400 pubs, and is gearing up for record numbers.

Pete Marshall, landlord of The King's Arms, Bexleyheath says:- "We will be celebrating the Coronation with the nation locally and having a lot of fun along the way. Over the 4 day weekend, there will be plenty of music, barbecues, different activities for families and adults, and a sprinkling of national pride."

HEINEKEN predicts 36.1 million pints of beer will be enjoyed over the Bank Holiday weekend with:- 1 in 2 pubgoers saying that will be their choice. Wine is a close 2nd, around ⅓ of people say they'll be sipping on cider, and ⅕ will be opting for an alcohol free option.

Lawson Mountstevens, MD, says:- "May is going to be a bumper month for pubs with 3 bank holidays and a Coronation to boot. It's going to be a right Royal knees up across the country, and our licensees are already planning some incredible activities. From beer festivals to street parties, the pub is going to be the centrepiece of communities with people celebrating with family, friends and neighbours."

The extended opening hours announced recently have been welcomed by pubs across the country. Pete Marshall adds:- "This is a once in a generation event and we want it to be an event that the community never forgets."