Rise in verbal abuse of retail workers

ALMOST THREE quarters of retail workers have suffered verbal abuse from customers, with almost a third having received threats, research to be published next month will show.

The figures, from a survey by the Mandate trade union which represents retail workers, indicated there was a "serious" problem with the abuse of staff by some members of the public, Brian Forbes, national campaigns co-ordinator with the union said yesterday.

Speaking at an event in Dublin's Henry Street yesterday to announce a campaign for respect for retail workers, he said there was an increasing volume of complaints from workers to the union about rudeness and even assaults by members of the public.

"The preliminary results from the survey, which we'll be publishing in full on January 19th, show almost 10 per cent of retail workers have been assaulted while working."

He said the main types of abuse were general rudeness, curtness and taking anger out on shop-workers. The majority of consumers were polite but there was a "significant minority, some who have probably just gotten out of bed on the wrong side that morning".

He said many employers had protective systems in place, such as panic buttons and security staff who could intervene in a dispute. There may, however, be need for legislation to protect workers from abusive or threatening behaviour by the public, he added. The campaign would be a "slow-burner".

He said in the current economic climate it was difficult to find retail workers who would speak publicly about abuse.

One woman, who wanted to be known only as Gabriella, said the public had become more rude and brusque in the past six months.