National Respect for Shopworkers Week

This week is National Respect for Shopworkers Week.

I welcomed the opportunity to hear honest and open experiences of retail staff from across Wales who have encountered unacceptable incidents while at work. It is apparent that many retail staff across Wales face daily fear of abuse, theft and attack.

It was highlighted that violence and abuse toward shop staff has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic. Measures to tackle the virus, such as additional restrictions on the sale of alcohol and the requirement to wear face masks, has unfortunately resulted in increased issues for retail workers.

I was appalled to hear of incidences in Wales where staff have been spat at, which is totally unacceptable. Abuse against retail workers will not be tolerated.

Gwent Police are committed to work with shop keepers across the county and will continue to react and respond to all incidents that are reported.

I urge anyone who has been threatened, or has been a victim of violence while at work to report it.

Please, don’t turn a blind eye to abuse, theft and threats. Call 101 to report a crime, in an emergency always call 999.