First Minister says abuse towards retail staff ‘completely unacceptable’ amid concerns problem could grow worse under new regulations

The First Minister has said that any abuse towards retail staff in Wales is “completely unacceptable”.

It follows concerns being raised that new regulations announced today by the Welsh Government to make shops and workplaces safer could make the situation worse.

Mark Drakeford said that businesses in Wales will have to carry out a specific coronavirus risk assessment under the legislation.

The responsibilities for store managers include providing hand sanitiser for trolleys on entry, limiting the number of customers in store at any one time and making regular announcements reminding people to keep their distance from others.

Mr Drakeford was questioned at this afternoon’s daily press briefing on whether asking staff to enforce the rules could attract an even greater backlash from shoppers who are unwilling to follow them.

He said: “It is the responsibility of owners and managers to make sure that the measures that will be placed in regulations are observed.

“The things that I’ve set out this afternoon are all things that lie in the hands of management, such as regular announcements over tannoys, markings on floors and notices that are up.

“To be to be completely clear, retail staff have done so much to help us all during this pandemic, going into work every day to make sure that there’s food that we can put on the table, and it is entirely unacceptable that those people should face abuse in the workplace.

“We’ve work closely with the trade unions in reaching the conclusions that I’ve outlined this morning and none of this is designed to put those people at any greater risk.”

The risk assessments will be the starting point for implementing measures that are required to minimise exposure to the coronavirus in shops and workplaces.

This involves considering issues such as:

• whether ventilation is adequate;
• hygiene;
• ensuring physical distancing is taking place;
• use of PPE and face coverings.

It will also include considering how employers can maximise the number of people who can work from home.

Responding to today’s statement by the First Minister, Sara Jones, Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: “Sage data has always highlighted that retail is a safe environment, and shops have spent hundreds of millions on safety measures including Perspex screens, additional cleaning, and social distancing.

“Our members are already delivering in line with or above current safety guidance, including specific risk assessments, and customers should be reassured that grocers and supermarkets are Covid-secure and safe to visit during lockdown and beyond.

“Retail workers have played a vital role in keeping Wales fed and supplied during the pandemic.

“During that time, they have had to take on new legal duties, such as managing physical distancing in stores, along with the myriad and growing list over recent years of statutory duties. T

“That has increased the pressure on those workers to enforce legislation on customers, creating further conflict and flashpoints which have led to workers being abused. That abuse is utterly unacceptable.

“We ask that all customers play their part in keeping our stores safe, shopping alone where possible, following in-store signage and being considerate to staff and fellow shoppers.

“We also ask that government considers legislating for better protections for shopworkers, as is being planned in Scotland.”