Assaulting retail workers to be made into a criminal offense in England

Assaulting a retail worker is set to be made into a separate criminal offense in Wales and England to deter thieves from stealing from local businesses. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented that the shops must be free from the threat of crime and the new law will be sending a message to criminals that target local businesses that “enough is enough”.

This new law comes after the government had previously told campaigners that the new law was not needed and would not be effective if implemented. A report by the British Retail Consortium revealed that violent incidents against retail workers soared by 50% between 2022 and 2023.

This announcement was appreciated by the chair of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson who said, “The voices of the three million people working in retail are finally being heard”. However, Transform Justice argues that the introduction of the offense will not reduce the attacks that have been steadily rising.

The perpetrators of attacks on shop workers could face up to six months imprisonment or receive an unlimited fine. The offenders will also be mandated to wear tags so that their movements can be monitored. In serious cases where the offenders cause bodily harm, if found guilty, they will face jail term.