Speaking at the Labour conference in Liverpool, Yvette Cooper said: “We know that security is the bedrock on which communities can come together, and on which the opportunities Labour has always fought for are built. You don’t get social justice if you don’t have justice.
“Respect is the very foundation of our democracy. Those Labour values are at the heart of all we do and they are at the heart of our mission for safer streets too. Starting in towns and cities across the country where rising street crime has driven people from our high streets, corroding the fabric of our communities.
“This Labour Government will bring in new powers on antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and off-road bikes and put neighbourhood police back on the beat. After years of Co-op and Usdaw campaigning, this Labour Government will introduce a new law on assaults on shopworkers, because everyone has the right to work in freedom from fear.”
Responding to the speech, Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “Yvette fully understands the impact of an epidemic of retail crime that is blighting our shops and putting fear into the hearts of shop workers. This Home Secretary has long promised to act to protect retail staff and we were delighted to see the legislation announced in the King’s Speech.
“We now look forward to the publication of the Crime and Policing Bill and the inclusion of a much-needed protection of shop workers’ law; ending the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals; and funding more uniformed officers patrolling shopping areas along with town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
“No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but too many retail workers are. It is shocking that nearly a fifth of our members working in retail are being assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
Usdaw annual Freedom from Fear survey report: www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2023
Usdaw’s Freedom from Fear Campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against workers by engaging the public, shopworkers and the Government. www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Freedom-From-Fear
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter/X @UsdawUnion