Closed petition Make abuse and assault of retail workers a specific criminal offence

Closed on 26 September 2021

I strongly feel that all retail staff should have specific protections from unreasonable behaviour, including assaults, verbal bullying, spitting and coughing, and not have to fear intimidation. The law needs to more robustly protect retail staff.

I believe there should be specific and tailored legislation – along the lines of The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill - prohibiting abuse and assault of retail workers, in light of the elevated risks retail staff have during the pandemic.

I am very aware that laws already exist to protect private individuals from assault and types of abuse, but I don't believe that that it is clear enough for some members of the public.