Shop workers in the East 'verbally abused', 'grabbed' and 'rammed by a trolley'
Workers have been speaking out as part of USDAW's latest survey
Retail workers in the East of England say they are still facing shocking levels of abuse from customers.
One worker in Cambridgeshire reported being pushed into the bananas and "verbally abused".
"People are coming into workplaces with the sole purpose of stealing, and sometimes you'll see some of those products at car boot sales, and if any of our members try to intervene, they'll get threatened," Nick Gerrard, from the USDAW union, said.
Figures from USDAW's annual survey during its latest 'Respect' week found in the East of England:
• 71% have experienced verbal abuse;
• 48% were threatened by a customer;
• 9% were assaulted.
Being 'rammed by a trolley' one worker's story
In response to USDAW's survey, the Cambridgeshire worker - who remains anonymous - said they were “told I'm useless because we never have any salad.”
They recalled “angry words due to frustrations”, and those who threatened them “waited for me outside with a group of friends in a car; security got involved.”
Other anonymous workers in the East who responded to the survey told stories of customers swearing, using homophobic language and staff being "rammed by a trolley".
"Unfortunately, these organised gangs do travel and often, in a rural area, it can be easier for them," Mr Gerrard said.
USDAW found this year's survey results show a downturn in the number of incidents retail workers in the East are facing.
"However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence," Joanne Thomas, general secretary at USDAW, said.
“We welcome Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill.
"This new legislation will deliver a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law (and) end the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals, along with Criminal Behaviour Orders."
Ms Thomas said union members are calling on the public to show respect towards shop workers in the run-up to Christmas when incidents could rise as shops get busier and customer frustration increases.
"The Chancellor has announced funding to tackle the organised criminals responsible for the increase in shoplifting, and the Government has promised more uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas," she added.
"It is our hope that these new measures will continue a downward trend in incidents."