A LOCAL MP has vowed to protect shop workers with tough new measures amid a ‘horrifying rise’ in violent attacks last year.

A recent survey from the Usdaw union showed nearly a fifth of retail staff suffered a violent attack last year – up from eight per cent in 2022.

Nearly half also reported they had been threatened with violence.

New action is being introduced by the government to reverse the wave of violence on shop workers, including a reversal in the rule introduced in 2014 of ‘low-value shoplifting’ to describe the theft of goods worth under £200.

MP John Healey says that more money will be invested in prevention as well as raining the police and retailers on specific retail crime tactics to stop crime before it happens.

New legislation will also be brought in to make assaults against retail workers a new stand-alone offence, something he has campaigned for alongside Usdaw for the past ten years.

He said: “Shop workers across our area are facing unacceptable levels of violence and abuse and the latest figures from Usdaw are truly shocking. Retail workers are on the front line.

“They’ve seen the record high levels of shoplifting with their own eyes. They’ve faced the wave of abuse, threats, and violence. Workers have reported facing abuse daily.

“From being spat at to being threatened with knives. It must stop.

“We’re getting closer to the busy Christmas period and it’s vital that we show respect to those who provide an important service. Abuse should not be a part of their job.”