SHOPWORKERS in Somerset have spoken out about the abuse they sometimes suffer at the hands of customers.

Retail trade union has today (Sunday, November 13) published shocking tales of staff suffering violence, threats and abuse over the past 12 months.

The responses came in a survey over more than 4,600 retail employees.

Among the examples of abuse in Somerset stores reported by staff, one said: "Shoplifter called me a f***ing c**t as I wouldn't let him steal booze.”

Another said: “Coughed and spat on in the face during Covid by a failed shoplifter.”

A young woman shopworker said: "Harassment from older men attempting to get my number or ask me on dates.”

Overall, the figures from the past year, with pre-pandemic levels in brackets, show:

  • 71 per cent (67%) experienced verbal abuse;
  • 48 per cent (42%) were threatened by a customer;
  • 5 per cent (5%) were assaulted;
  • 45 per cent said they were not confident that reporting abuse, threats and violence will make a difference;
  • 20 per cent of those who had been assaulted did not report the incident.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: "It is heartbreaking to hear these testimonies from South West shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.

"Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers.

“It is shocking that over seven in 10 of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

"While some triggers have been removed, such as face masks and social distancing, the levels of abuse remain higher than before the pandemic.

“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job.

"Worryingly, one in five who suffered a physical assault did not report the incident and nearly half of shopworkers are not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference.

"Our message shopworkers is clear - ‘Report it to sort it’.

“Having secured new protection of workers laws in Westminster, there is still much more to do.

"The Government must provide the co-ordination needed to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer places for our members to work.”

Other responses from South West shopworkers include:

“Customer who was stealing punched me in the head.”

“Threatened with knife, axe and numerous occasions with a needle.”

“Racial abuse, thrown objects, spat at.”

“Spat at, verbally abused and pushed.”

“Been called stupid, hit with a French stick, sworn at.”

“Some have made fun of my stammer/stutter.”

“People saying they'll be waiting for you outside to kick your head in.”

“Abuse mainly comes from customers refused the sale of tobacco due to no ID and sticking to the policy on refunds doesn't always go down well with some customers.”

“Belittled and insulted.”

“Being ran into by shopping trolleys.”

“Drunk customer assaulted me.”

“I was grabbed by a customer, very tight on my arm. I have also been catcalled.”

“Threatening to be punched in the face, products thrown at us.”