Tag: abuse

No place for abuse and intimidation at May election: Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is calling for the Scottish Parliament Election on May 7 to be free of abuse and intimidation. 

In recent elections, candidates have faced unacceptable behaviour while campaigning, including harassment, threats and physical intimidation. Following the UK Parliament General Election in 2024, Commission research found over half (55%) of candidates felt that they had some kind of problem with harassment, intimidation, or abuse, with one in ten (13%) reporting it as a serious issue. 

This led to more than half (56%) of respondents avoiding some kind of campaign activity due to fear of abuse. Women were also found to be twice as likely, and ethnic minorities three times more likely, to report serious abuse. 

With the poll still six weeks away, the Electoral Commission is acting now to tackle the issue alongside partners including the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and Police Scotland. This includes supporting electoral administrators to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the election, including through providing guidance on their powers at polling stations and the count, so everyone can participate freely and without intimidation. 

The Commission has published a set of principles to guide campaigning at the May elections, with a focus on maintaining respect, safety and honesty during robust debate. Created in response to recommendations made by the Speaker’s Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections, the principles build on common themes across parties existing codes of conducts, and aim to put in place a common, minimum standard of behaviour, to make sure that campaigners feel supported and protected.  

Education also plays a critical role in tackling abuse by preparing young people to participate in democracy. The Commission is delivering democratic education for young people and New Scots to support media literacy and improve understanding of the role of the Scottish Parliament and its politicians.   

Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “Abuse and intimidation should not be seen as part of the job for candidates , elected officials or electoral staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and harms democracy. 

“Clear principles to help people take part in respectful campaigning are available, and we would encourage all parties and candidates to engage with the safety resources and briefings provided by Police Scotland. 

“We will also continue to speak out against online harassment and threats directed at those taking part in elections and have made recommendations to social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content.” 

Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, said: “Returning Officers and their staff will not hesitate to exclude anyone from polling places or the count if they disrupt proceedings.   

“Any poor behaviour from candidates and agents undermines trust in the whole system. Voters must have confidence that the election will be run in a free, fair and safe manner for all.” 

Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall, Police Scotland, said: “Advice and briefings are being provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of candidates, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process. All reports of criminality will be subject to an investigation. 

“We continue to work with partners, including the Electoral Commission, and will liaise closely with local authority returning officers across Scotland regarding security at polling places.” 

NO such problems at the Edinburgh Northern Hustings organised by Drylaw Telford Community Council at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre last night.

It was all very civilised – we even had a Conservative candidate agreeing with his Communist opponent! – Ed.

Scottish retail workers speak out about high levels of violence, threats and abuse

Usdaw launches new survey

Freedom From Fear Survey Report 2025

Retail trade union Usdaw has today (18 March) launched shocking statistics from its annual survey of Scottish retail staff, showing that abuse and threats remain at high levels.

With shoplifting having more than doubled since the pandemic, the survey found that abuse, threats and assaults remain higher than pre-Covid levels in 2019.

Usdaw’s survey of 1,062 Scottish retail staff found that in 2025:

·         76% were verbally abused.

·         50% were threatened.

·         11% were assaulted.

Voices from the frontline: 

These are some of the comments retail workers from Scotland shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

·         “Asked a barred customer to leave: when turned round, got punched in face. Been screamed at multiple times for following policy and doing my job correctly.”

·         “Customer spat on me and verbally assaulted me when I refused a refund on an unwanted toilet seat, which had been opened and used.”

·         “Homophobic abuse, pushing and physical abuse. I get shouted at frequently and treated like a lesser being. I was punched in the face by a customer.”

·         “I have been threatened with stabbing, being assaulted and had many incidents of verbal abuse as the result of thieves and people who have been asked for ID.”

·         “Abuse usually happens at self-scan tills. Not enough staff, faults with machines, incorrect reductions, labels not printed correctly. Customers blame the staff.”

·         “Sexually touched when working on the shop floor. Customers lashing out when asked for ID. Physical and verbal abuse in and outside of work.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “It is difficult to read these testimonies from Scottish retail workers, but regrettably they are all too common, with nearly four in five retail workers suffering violence, threats or abuse.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work. Retail workers provide an essential service and should be respected and have the protection of the law.

“Violence and abuse are not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers. We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end.

“We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland and employers to make that happen.”

fffsurveyreport2025Download

Charity welcomes review of how older victims are treated – but urges action…

Hourglass has welcomed a new inspection by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI), which finds that older victims of crime generally receive a good service from prosecutors, but warns that court delays and an overly complex policy framework risk leaving older people waiting too long for justice.

The inspection, published today, examined 168 cases and assessed how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) supports older victims throughout the prosecution process. Inspectors found that prosecutors often identify vulnerability well in practice and make appropriate use of special measures to support older victims to give their best evidence.

Hourglass worked closely with HMCPSI throughout the inspection, providing written evidence, sharing frontline insight from its work supporting older victim-survivors, and contributing to the development of the inspection framework.

The charity welcomed the inspectorate’s commitment to centring victim experience and engaging meaningfully with specialist third sector organisations.

The report highlights serious concerns about delays in the court system, noting the disproportionate impact these have on older victims, whose health and circumstances may deteriorate while cases are repeatedly adjourned.

Inspectors also found that the current approach to identifying and monitoring crimes against older people is overly complex and prone to error, with around a third of cases incorrectly flagged.

Significantly, the inspection reflects a number of issues consistently raised by Hourglass, including the need to lower the age threshold used to identify older victims, move away from a quasi-hate-crime model, and improve the quality and transparency of data.

HMCPSI recommends that the CPS simplify its approach by recognising all victims aged 60 and over, focusing on vulnerability rather than rigid definitions, and strengthening monitoring.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Head of Policy at Hourglass, said: “We are grateful to HMCPSI for engaging closely with Hourglass throughout this inspection and for taking older victims’ lived experiences seriously.

“The report rightly recognises the commitment of prosecutors, while also being clear that the current framework is too complex and is producing inconsistent outcomes.

“We are particularly pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the inspectorate’s findings, including lowering the age threshold to 60 and simplifying the approach so that all older victims are consistently recognised and supported.

“We urge the CPS to adopt the recommendations in full and look forward to continuing to work constructively with them to support implementation.”

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, has long called for greater consistency in how older victims are identified, better data to understand the scale and nature of abuse, and a justice system that responds with urgency to the realities of ageing and vulnerability.

The report makes three recommendations for the CPS to implement by September 2026:

  • simplifying the definition of crimes against older people to include all victims aged 60 and over
  • removing the requirement to treat these cases as ‘quasi-hate crimes’ and focusing instead on individual vulnerability
  • strengthening monitoring and data quality to ensure older victims are properly recognised.

Hourglass said the inspection provides a strong foundation for reform and an important opportunity to strengthen confidence among older victim-survivors that they will be seen, supported, and treated with urgency by the justice system.

Baroness Hughes of Stretford, England Patron for Hourglass, said: “Older victims of crime face particular barriers in being heard and supported, especially when cases are delayed or systems are overly complex.

“I welcome moves to create a clearer, more consistent approach that focuses on vulnerability and ensures older people are not overlooked. This is an important moment to strengthen confidence in the justice system for older victims.”

NO EXCUSES: Statement on xAI’s Grok image generation and editing tool

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall calls for swift action after reports xAI’s Grok tool continues to allow generation of intimate deepfake images

The Technology Secretary has commented on the changes xAI has implemented to its chatbot overnight, and government action to stamp out this form of abuse.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent. It is an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you’re willing to pay for it. I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them.

“I, and more importantly the public – would expect to see Ofcom update on next steps in days not weeks.

“I would remind xAI that the Online Safety Act includes the power to block services from being accessed in the UK, if they refuse to comply with UK law. If Ofcom decide to use those powers they will have our full support.

“We will be banning nudification apps in the Crime and Policing Bill which is in parliament now.

“We are in the coming weeks bringing in to force powers to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent.

“I expect all platforms to abide by Ofcom’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) guidance and if they do not, I am prepared to go further.

“We are as determined to ensure women and girls are safe online as we are to ensure they are safe in the real world. No excuses.”

Hourglass: Government VAWG Strategy risks leaving older victim-survivors “unseen” 

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity focused on ending the abuse of older people, says the Government’s newly published Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy is a long-awaited step forward – but warns it does not yet set out how abuse in later life will be recognised and tackled in practice.

The Strategy sets an ambition to halve VAWG over the next decade and focuses strongly on preventing abuse early, improving education and stopping perpetrators. Hourglass welcomes that direction – but says the delivery story is still largely written around younger victims, meaning older victim-survivors risk being left behind.

Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said: “We welcome the fact the Government has set out a ten-year strategy and a clear ambition to reduce violence and abuse.

“But if the goal is to halve VAWG, it cannot ignore the fastest-growing part of our population – older people – and the very different ways abuse shows up in later life.”

What Hourglass welcomes

  • A clear national ambition and a cross-government approach.
  • A strong focus on prevention and early intervention, including tackling harmful attitudes.
  • Recognition that everyone in society has a role, including adults and “older generations”.
  • Hourglass is named in the Strategy’s support list and a case study is published in supporting documentation – an important acknowledgement that older people need specialist help too.

Hourglass is concerned that the Strategy:

  • Barely mentions older victim-survivors, despite the UK’s ageing population and rising need.
  • Does not clearly explain how abuse in later life fits within VAWG delivery – including the role of health, social care and adult safeguarding, which are often the first (and sometimes only) services older people come into contact with.
  • Risks missing people already living with harm now, because prevention activity is largely centred on children and young people.

Hourglass explains that this is important as abuse in later life can include domestic abuse, coercive control, sexual abuse and economic abuse – often made worse by disability, dementia, dependency, isolation and barriers to disclosure.

Older victim-survivors may not describe themselves as victims at all, and they may be less able to leave safely without the right support in place.

Hourglass’s own service data shows the scale and the difference:

  • Since 2020, Hourglass has supported more than 32,000 older victim-survivors.
  • Demand for the 24/7 helpline has more than doubled over the same period.
  • 44% of alleged perpetrators recorded by Hourglass are adult children – a pattern that does not fit the public stereotype of abuse.
    (All figures are drawn from Hourglass service data.)

Hourglass joins many in the VAWG sector in calling for stronger delivery and sustainable investment. Refuge and Women’s Aid have already warned that the Strategy does not go far enough and that funding for specialist services remains inadequate, with Women’s Aid calling for ring-fenced investment, including for “by and for” services supporting black and minoritised women and for child victims.

The Children’s Commissioner welcomed positive steps for children, including the development of “Child Houses” – underlining the need for age-specific approaches at every life stage.

Hourglass is calling on Government to strengthen delivery by:

  • Naming abuse in later life clearly within the VAWG framework and delivery plans.
  • Making older victim-survivors visible in policy, data and accountability measures.
  • Embedding age-competent, trauma-informed training across health, social care, policing and courts.
  • Investing in specialist support and pathways that work for older people, including those with care and support needs.
  • Ensuring long term funding pathways that sustain and invest in specialist services like Hourglass. A current six month funding proposal for 2026/27 puts jobs at risk.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Policy Director of Hourglass, added: “A strategy that doesn’t work for people in later life isn’t a strategy that works for everyone.

“We stand ready to work with Government on practical changes – so older victim-survivors are seen, believed, and supported.”

Three in five adults in Scotland believe the risk of children being abused increases over Christmas

  • New NSPCC poll also reveals one in eight respondents had concerns for the safety of a child known to them during the Christmas holidays
  • Financial pressures, substance misuse and strained family relationships are some of the main reasons given for why adults are concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home over the festive period
  • A new hard-hitting Childline campaign, supported by Natalie Dormer is raising awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children and how the service is here to help them through the holidays

Three in five adults in Scotland believe children face an increased risk of abuse (64%) and exposure to domestic violence (68%) during the Christmas holidays.

New polling from the NSPCC also reveals that one in eight adults have had concerns for the safety of a child they know over the festive period.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 315 from Scotland, analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.

When asked why they were concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home during the holidays, adults identified:

  • Financial pressures at home (75%),
  • Substance misuse at home (75%),
  • Food insecurity (64%)
  • Families spending more time together (68%)
  • Support services – social services, schools – either closed or operating at reduced capacity (67%).

The majority of respondents believe the most effective way to keep children safe at Christmas is for adults to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and neglect and ensuring young people know who to contact if they need support.

The new NSPCC poll comes as the charity launches a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year.

Last year thousands of young people from across the UK contacted the NSPCC’s Childline service with concerns about abuse across the winter period.

A young person told Childline: “Dad’s drinking always gets worse at Christmas. Then the drinking leads to arguments and the arguments turn into him hitting mum. I wish I could protect her, but dad is so much stronger than us both. I want to call the police, or social services, but who will come out at Christmas?”

The campaign advert, now showing on TV and running across radio, is inspired by the true story of a woman who was abused by her father. It follows a little girl Sarah, who returns home from school at the end of winter term and is confronted by the presence of her abusive father.

Another child, aged 16, told the service: “It always all kicks off at Christmas. Mum goes crazy at dad; she hates him trying to speak to his family, even to say Merry Christmas.

“She hates him speaking to anyone else really. I can hear her calling him lazy and useless for not doing enough again this year and she’s made him cry. I want to walk out, but where would I go on Christmas? I’ve locked myself in my room with my sister for now; when mum’s done with dad, she might blow up on us next.”

Natalie Dormer, actor, producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said: “These findings reveal an uncomfortable truth that often goes unspoken during the festive season. While many of us look forward to Christmas, far too many children face a season filled with uncertainty, anxiety and fear.

“The campaign advert, inspired by a real survivor’s story, captures the heartbreaking moment of dread when the school term ends and a child’s safe space disappears.

“Behind the closed doors of homes across the country, children are suffering in silence while the rest of us celebrate. This NSPCC campaign sends a crucial message: Childline will be there for every young person who needs support.”

This Christmas, Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website. 

Adeniyi Alade, head of Childline in Scotland, said: “We know from the children who reach out to us that the festive season can be one of the hardest times of the year. While many look forward to Christmas, for some young people it means being trapped at home with the very problems they fear most — whether that’s violence, substance misuse or simply feeling invisible.

“We want children in Scotland to know that Childline is always open, day and night, even over Christmas. No matter what’s happening behind closed doors, they can talk to us in confidence and we will listen.”

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “This new research highlights a troubling reality that Christmas – which should be a time of joy and happiness for all children – can instead be a period of heightened danger for far too many children.

“Financial pressures, increased alcohol consumption, and strained family relationships are all factors that can heighten the risk of child abuse in the home over the festive period.

“That’s why our Christmas campaign is so important, reminding children they are not alone and that Childline is here for them day and night over the festive period.”

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.    

National review of group-based child sexual abuse response

Professor Alexis Jay to chair National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Care Inspectorate will undertake an independent national review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Professor Alexis Jay will chair the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group from January 2026, and will provide expert advice to Ministers on the findings of the national review as it reports on its progress.

The work of the national review will be undertaken alongside that of the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and work already underway by Police Scotland to review previous cases, to gather evidence on the extent of group-related child sexual abuse and exploitation. This evidence will inform any decision on the need for a future inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Our thoughts are with victims of child abuse who have already suffered so much – this matter must be handled sensitively and with the utmost respect and consideration for their experiences.

“The issue of group-based sexual abuse and exploitation of children is sensitive and complex, and the Scottish Government has been giving it very detailed consideration. 

“We have been clear that we are prepared to give every consideration to an inquiry on this issue, and that any such decision needs to be based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to it.

“Professor Alexis Jay has extensive expertise in this area, and her insights will be invaluable to Ministers as this work is taken forward.

“I have written to the leaders and spokespeople of other political parties to offer a briefing with Professor Jay and Police Scotland on this work in the new year.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “I am pleased to take on the role of Chair of the National Group, and to build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors, Iona Colvin and Sarah Taylor.

“There is much to do and do quickly. The work of the independent Inspectorates should provide the evidence for Scottish Ministers to determine whether further action is required to disrupt child sexual exploitation in Scotland.”

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor said: “His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland acknowledge the announcement that along with the Care Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Education and Healthcare Improvement Scotland we will work jointly on this independent national review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.”

Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, Jackie Irvine said: “This an issue of vital importance to victims and communities and we look forward to working closely with partners to take this forward.” 

Thousands of online grooming crimes in Scotland during past five years

  • NSPCC publishes new research highlighting a range of tools tech companies, Ofcom, and Government can employ to protect children from perpetrators

More than 3,000 online grooming crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland during the past five years, new data compiled by the NSPCC reveals.   

The figures published by the Scottish Government show that 3,158 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences have been recorded since 2020.   

The charity points out that while these are the offences recorded by police; the real number of crimes is likely to be much higher due to abuse happening in private spaces where harms can be harder to detect.

The NSPCC is highlighting these offences as it publishes new research to tackle this issue – it sets out solutions that can be used to prevent, detect and disrupt grooming in private messaging spaces. Online child sexual abuse crimes can have a long-term impact on a child, leaving them with feelings of guilt, shame, depression, confusion, anxiety and fear.

One 14-year-old who contacted Childline said: “I feel so insecure all the time, so, when this guy I’ve met online, who’s a few years older, started flirting with me, that made me feel so special.

“He seemed to care, but now he’s insisting I send him nudes, and I don’t know if he just gave me attention, so I’d send him nudes. I feel like I’ve been tricked but I’m afraid what he might do if I just block him.

“I can’t control how anxious this makes me feel.”

The charity’s new research identifies cycles of behaviours that perpetrators use, such as creating multiple different profiles and manipulating young users to engage with them across different platforms.

In response, the NSPCC is urging Ofcom and tech companies to take swift action on the recommendations set out in the report, so that they can better identify and prevent online grooming.

Recommendations include:

  • Implementing tools on a child’s phone that can scan for nude images and identify child sexual abuse material, before its shared.
  • Using metadata analysis, which uses background information, like when, where, and how someone is using a platform, to spot suspicious patterns. It does not read private messages, but it can flag behaviours that suggest grooming, such as adults repeatedly contacting large numbers of children or creating fake profiles.
  • Create barriers for adult profiles engaging children on social media platforms, like restrictions on who they can search and how many people they can contact.
  • Tech platform leaders should commit to delivering services which effectively support and balance user safety and privacy.

The research shows that safety measures must be introduced at the same time to be effective, working in tandem to ensure harm is prevented across the grooming cycle.

The NSPCC is urging tech companies, Ofcom, and Government to take leadership on addressing this devastating crime and commit to using every tool available to them to stop perpetrators in their tracks.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “At Childline, we hear first-hand how grooming can devastate young lives. The trauma doesn’t end when the messages stop, it can leave children battling anxiety, depression, and shame for years.

“Tech companies must act now to prevent further escalation. The tools the NSPCC sets out to protect children are ready to use and urgently needed. Importantly, they mean that services can keep children safe while protecting all user’s privacy. Children’s safety must be built into platform design from the start, not treated as an afterthought.”

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: “The internet has opened a door into millions of homes, giving predators access to children.

“Safety should be something which is built into all services and platforms from the bottom up, not tacked on as an afterthought. There should be absolutely nowhere for predators to hide online.

“Tech companies must do everything they can, including in end-to-end encrypted spaces, to keep children safe. It is clear now that this can be done effectively without compromising users’ privacy. There really is no excuse – and the alternative is allowing children to continue to suffer.”

Scottish retail workers speak out about violence, threats and abuse

Usdaw highlights the link with shop theft

Retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from its UK-wide annual survey during this year’s Respect Week, which runs from 10-16 November. Usdaw members are raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for retail workers’.

Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months (change from last year):

·       71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse.

·       48% (-5) were threatened by a customer.

·       9% (-1) were assaulted.

Scottish voices from the frontline: 

These are some of the comments Scottish retail workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “I got a knife pulled on me and was cut on the hand holding it away from him trying to stab me.” – “Sexual harassment, threats of violence for challenging theft and abusive behaviour, name calling.”

Glasgow: “Refused a customer alcohol because they were intoxicated – screamed abuse at me, told me I was a jobsworth.” – “Headbutted and pushed by customer.” – “Verbal abuse, called names, threatened to be hit etc.”

Highlands and Islands: “I have been spat on, called a faggot and loads of other names.” – “Pushed and threatened by shoplifter trying to steal spirits.” – “Customer shouting, throwing items and aggressive behaviour.”

Lothian: “Rude language, swearing, raised voices, intimidating behaviour.” – “Punched by an angry customer.” – “Customer threatened to cut us like fish. Every day, we have verbal abuse. Called names – cow, slag etc.” – “Told me to f**k off.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Pushed, verbally harassed, customer gotten in my face.” – “Verbal abuse, cussing, homophobic and threats of harm.” – “Been swore at, sexual comments, followed to car.” – “Aggressive over being ID’d, stock thrown at me.”

North East Scotland: “Called an ignorant b*tch by a customer who was refused a refund.” – “Pushed by a customer in anger over prices.” – “Shouting, swearing, threatened with bottle person was stealing.”

South Scotland: “Coupons ripped up and thrown at me.” – “Hit by item of food. Threatened with a gun.” – “Customers swearing and threatening me when they have no receipt, can’t get a refund, have waited in the queue for too long.”

West Scotland: “Refused underage sale, tried to punch me.” – “Older man shouting at me at night to distract me so someone else could steal.” – “Called awful names, threatened to follow me after work.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Retail workers deserve far more respect than they receive and these experiences from Scottish retail workers make very difficult reading. 

“This year’s UK-wide annual survey interim results show a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. 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.

“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers.

“We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end. We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland to make that happen.

“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”

Hidden Heist: UK’s older people have already lost over £53 million to abuse

Hourglass Charity Warns of 2.6 Million Victim-Survivors with numbers set to increase, as National Summit Convenes

The UK’s older people are losing more money to abuse than was stolen in the largest ever cash heist, with projections showing over 1.5 million people could become victim-survivors annually by 2030, the charity Hourglass revealed today.

The Tonbridge Securitas depot robbery of 2006 – which saw armed criminals steal £53 million – has long stood as the UK’s most audacious cash theft. Yet new analysis from Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated exclusively to ending the abuse of older people, reveals that fraudsters and abusers have stolen that amount from older victims across the UK.

The sobering figures emerge as ministers, safeguarding experts and frontline practitioners prepare to convene virtually for the Safer Ageing Summit 2025 on 12th November, where they will confront what Hourglass describes as “the most under-recognised safeguarding crisis of our time.”

According to Hourglass projections, by 2030, almost 4 million older people across the UK could experience abuse annually – encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic exploitation and neglect. The charity warns that whilst these crimes rival organised heists in scale, they receive only a fraction of the attention, resources, or political priority.

“The reality is stark: abuse of older people is rising, but recognition, resourcing and political attention are still lagging behind,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass. “We can’t keep treating older people as an afterthought in safeguarding policy.

“By 2030, almost 4 million older people could be victim-survivors every single year. That should be a national wake-up call.”

Expert panels will tackle critical issues including: Economic abuse and urgent legal reforms to powers of attorney; the intersection of housing, health, and systemic ageism; the sexual abuse of older people – what experts call “one of the last taboos in safeguarding”.

The summit will feature powerful testimony from Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, founders of the Willie’s Law campaign through their own lived experience, who are championing urgent reforms to prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people through misused powers of attorney.

Hourglass is demanding immediate government action including: Stronger legal protections against economic abuse of older people; mandatory age-disaggregated data collection across all safeguarding services and a coordinated UK-wide strategy to end abuse in later life.

Richard Robinson added: “We hope our Summit will not only remind people of these sobering statistics but drive urgent action to put the abuse of older people at the top of the political agenda where it belongs.”