Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Make abuse and assault of retail workers a specific criminal offence
Closed
33 signatures
What the petition asks
I strongly feel that all retail staff should have specific protections from unreasonable behaviour, including assaults, verbal bullying, spitting and coughing, and not have to fear intimidation. The law needs to more robustly protect retail staff.
I believe there should be specific and tailored legislation – along the lines of The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill - prohibiting abuse and assault of retail workers, in light of the elevated risks retail staff have during the pandemic.
I am very aware that laws already exist to protect private individuals from assault and types of abuse, but I don't believe that that it is clear enough for some members of the public.
I am very aware that laws already exist to protect private individuals from assault and types of abuse, but I don't believe that that it is clear enough for some members of the public.
Timeline
| 26 Mar 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 26 Sep 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
33
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
26 Mar 2021
Closed
26 Sep 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.