Summary
More than 100 business leaders in the UK are urging the government to create a specific law making it a crime to assault public-facing workers, such as those in retail and transport. Currently, assaults on retail workers are being considered for specific legal protection under a new bill, but business leaders want this protection to cover all customer-facing roles. The call for action comes as reports indicate increased hostility and abuse towards workers.
Key Facts
- Over 100 business leaders have asked for assaults on public-facing workers to become a separate criminal offence.
- This proposal follows a reported rise in abusive incidents targeting these workers.
- A new law is being proposed to specifically protect retail workers, with potential penalties including prison or fines.
- Business leaders want this law to cover all sectors, not just retail.
- About 60% of the UK's workforce work in customer-facing roles, such as in retail, transport, and hospitality.
- A recent survey reported a 20% increase in hostility towards customer-facing workers.
- 37% of these workers consider leaving their jobs due to customer aggression.
- Some sectors, like transport, report increased staff assaults, with calls for better protection.
