More than 100 business leaders have called on the government to establish a standalone offence for the assault of public-facing workers, which includes transport staff and call centre agents. The Institute of Customer Service has highlighted a significant increase in abusive incidents directed at employees, leading many to contemplate leaving their positions.
The Crime and Policing Bill currently progressing through Parliament seeks to create a specific offence for assaults on retail workers in England and Wales. However, executives from companies like Nationwide and DPD are advocating for the legislation to expand its scope to encompass all sectors to enhance deterrence against such acts.
The Home Office has expressed its support for law enforcement to utilize their full range of powers, reaffirming that it is already a criminal offence to assault or threaten individuals in these roles. A spokesperson indicated that abuse against retail workers has risen markedly in recent years, and the new legislation aims to provide clearer legal means for prosecution.
Approximately 60% of the UK workforce is employed in customer-facing roles across various sectors, including retail, transport, and hospitality. According to a recent survey, 43% of customer-facing workers reported experiencing hostility from customers within the past six months, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 37% of those workers are considering leaving their jobs due to aggressive behavior, with 26% taking time off as a result of such abuse.
In response to these growing concerns, an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has established an aggravating factor for assaults against individuals providing public services. The proposed standalone offence for retail workers under the Crime and Policing Bill outlines a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The transport industry has also seen a rise in assaults, with calls for increased protective measures for railway staff. A recent incident involving an aggressive passenger underscores the challenges faced by those in public-facing roles, leading to discussions about the need for better protections against hostility in the workplace.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79ljgx0el8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss