Tag: protection

SNP Government must do more to protect shop workers, says Usdaw

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTLAND’S PROTECTION OF WORKERS LAW

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect shop workers in light of an epidemic of retail crime. The call comes on the fifth anniversary of the Scottish protection of workers’ law, which the union says makes a big difference if backed up by investment in policing.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), came into force on 24 August 2021.

It provides a specific offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing any retail worker and a harsher sentence if they were enforcing a statutory age restriction, resulting in a fine with penalties escalating to a prison sentence.

The legislation was a direct result of Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, working with Scottish politicians, retail employers and other organisations.

Police recorded retail crime figures in Scotland, released in June, show that:

  • Shoplifting increased from 20,557 incidents during the pandemic to 53,269 last year (2025/6), which is a 159% increase and includes a 19% rise on the previous year (2024/5).
  • The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 50.6% in 2025/6, an overall decrease of nearly one-third, although there was a slight improvement last year of 1.6%.
  • Since the Protection of Workers Act came into effect, the number of times the legislation has been used has increased every year. There have been 11,023 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker over 5 years.

Voice from the frontline: Scottish supermarket worker Rhianna talks about how the Act has made a difference when used: “A customer was refused alcohol because they were drunk and they smacked another customer over the head with a bottle of vodka <which also injured the shop worker>.

“The staff called the police and they got there within five minutes…beforehand, it would have been ignored. So, to see that type of improvement is huge and it’s thanks to the protection of workers’ law.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scotland’s protection of retail workers’ law has made a difference, as Rhianna explains, and has been used to punish over 11,000 offenders, but much more needs to be done in Scotland’s epidemic of retail crime.

“We are continuing to work with retailers and Police Scotland to help ensure that the legislation is fully utilised. However, we have been concerned by a lack of urgency to tackle retail crime from the Scottish Government, who have overseen a record-breaking more than doubling in shoplifting, with a 19% increase last year.

“In contrast, Labour’s actions have seen retail crime reduce over the last two quarters in England and Wales. Northern Ireland rates of theft from shops have also been trending downwards.

“Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats – over two-thirds of which are triggered by theft from shops and armed robbery.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers do. Usdaw’s own survey shows that over three-quarters of our Scottish members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community.

“They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law, along with the full backing of the Government.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Scottish shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. The groundbreaking protection of workers’ legislation that came into force in Scotland was an important step forward and has inspired similar legislation in Westminster for England and Wales, and Stormont for Northern Ireland.

“However, passing the legislation is not enough on its own and it must be backed up with investment in policing and a priority being given to retail crime, which is spiralling out of control. Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and too many shop workers suffer all too often.

“We still need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need.”

Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern) says: “Having worked in retail before entering Parliament, I know first-hand the growing impact of retail crime faced by shop workers in our communities.

“I’m proud of the impact made by the legislation I introduced 5 years ago to make it a specific offence to threaten, abuse or assault retail staff, with over 10,000 offences recorded since it came into force.

“The law has strengthened protections, improved reporting and sent a clear message that abuse of shop workers is unacceptable. Now we need urgent action from the Scottish Government to go further in tackling the epidemic of retail crime through stronger policing and closer partnership with retailers.”

RSV maternal vaccine cuts baby hospital admissions by up to 85%

Largest real-world study in England confirms premature infants protected by vaccination

A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) study  Maternal RSV vaccination and reduced risk of hospitalisation for babies in England 2024/25, clearly shows the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme is providing over 80% protection for newborn infants, including those born prematurely.

The study found vaccination at least 2 weeks before the birth gave 81.3% protection. A narrow range of statistical uncertainty, 78.9% to 83.4%, means there is high confidence in the protective effect of the vaccine.  

The study, which analysed data from the first year of vaccine roll out (24/25), is believed to be the largest study in the world evaluating the effect of maternal RSV vaccination in preventing infants being hospitalised for RSV chest infection.  

RSV causes  bronchiolitis (infection and inflammation of the small airways of the lung) and is a major cause of hospital admission in infants.      

The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns.  

The study followed nearly 300,000 babies born between September 2024 and March 2025, representing around 90% of all births in England during this period. Using routinely collected electronic health records, UKHSA researchers assessed the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing hospital admissions. More than 4,500 hospitalisations occurred in this cohort, the vast majority in infants whose mothers had not been vaccinated.  

Getting the vaccine on time was best (in week 28 or soon after that), as babies born at least 4 weeks after their mother was vaccinated had nearly 85% protection. But importantly, even vaccination later in pregnancy still gives some protection, with vaccination as close as 10 to 13 days before birth reducing hospital admissions by 50%.  

The study, which will be presented today (18 Apri)l at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) global conference, also found that premature babies, who are particularly vulnerable to RSV, can be well protected, provided there is at least 2 weeks between vaccination and birth.  

Matt Wilson, Epidemiologist at UKHSA, presenter and lead author, said:  “Our evaluation of the first season of the programme in England gives important confirmation that maternal RSV vaccination is highly protective for newborn infants, over 80%, and that effectiveness reached nearly 85% when vaccination occurred at least 4 weeks before birth.  

“These findings are also particularly important for preterm infants, who are among the most vulnerable to severe RSV infection.  With sufficient time between vaccination and birth, we saw good levels of protection in these babies.

“Giving the vaccination early in the third trimester, as recommended by the World Health Organization, could protect most preterm infants, so it’s important that midwives and other healthcare workers offer vaccination on time with the schedule – and that pregnant women promptly take it up.”

Maternal RSV vaccine uptake in England continues to climb, reaching 55% during the study period and the latest data showing uptake rising to 64.1% for women who gave birth in November 2025.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, one of the senior authors and national  programme lead for RSV, said:  “RSV can cause life-threatening chest infections for babies. Half of newborns will have caught RSV before they are a year old. As an expectant parent you have no idea if they are going to be severely ill or not.   

“Our analysis of the RSV vaccination programme in England is important confirmation of the results from the clinical trial, but this study is 40 times bigger and clearly shows the hugely beneficial effect on reducing hospital admission.

“Getting vaccinated in week 28 of pregnancy or soon after gives excellent protection to both term and preterm babies when they are tiny and most vulnerable to severe RSV. The RSV vaccine gives a brilliant boost to the pregnant woman’s immune system so it can pass antibodies through the placenta and protect the baby from the day they are born.”

Flu cases starting to stabilise but UKHSA urges people to take measures to reduce further spread over Christmas

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses as people are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves

Flu levels are beginning to stabilise for the first time this season, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). After an early start to the season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, the flu positivity rate is starting to decrease.

These are encouraging signals but it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures, with limited time now left to get a flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

Flu is an unpredictable virus and while there is currently evidence that it is plateauing, the flu season is not yet over with the virus previously peaking well into January and February. Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated now will help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.  

There are simple measures that can be taken to help reduce the spread of flu this winter. Washing your hands regularly, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated and if you have symptoms, stay home where possible. If you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.  

Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those with certain long-term health conditions.

For children who missed out on their school immunisation programme, parents are reminded that they can still get them vaccinated in local community clinics. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.

Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.

“There are simple steps we can all take to protect one another when mixing indoors. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.

“Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated helps and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering.

“For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it’s not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out.

“Please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation. By continuing to take these precautions, we can all do our bit to reduce the chances of another spike.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2001684097412837648

In the week between 8 and 14 December 2025: 

  • influenza activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels  
  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels 

The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season are published weekly.

Flu surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December) 

In week 49:

  • flu activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
  • flu positivity remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.7% compared with 21% in the previous week. Positivity started to decrease in the later days of the week
  • overall, flu hospitalisations were stabilising at 10.32 per 100,000 compared with 10.19 per 100,000 in the previous week

For the 2025-26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.

Up to the end of week 50 (14 December), vaccine uptake stands at:

  • 38.6% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long term health conditions
  • 36.5% in all pregnant women
  • 72.8% in all those aged over 65 years
  • 42.1% in children aged 2 years and 43.1% in children aged 3 years

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49:

  • RSV activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
  • the overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was increasing at 3.70 per 100,000 compared with 3.35 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased  

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49: 

  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • COVID-19 positivity decreased slightly to 1.9% from 2.1% in the previous week
  • COVID-19 hospitalisations were decreasing slightly at 1.02 per 100,000 compared with 1.10 per 100,000 in the previous week 
  • COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.05 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week 

Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 49 to 50 (1 December to 14 December 2025)

In week 49:

  • norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels
  • total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (4.9% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 were 29.8% higher than during the previous 2-week period
  • the rate of norovirus reports has started to increase in individuals aged 65 years and over and is now comparable to the reporting rate among individuals aged 0 to 4 years
  • total rotavirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (2.0% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 48.5% lower than the 5-season average
  • during the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (83.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (31.1%)
  • in recent weeks GII.4 has emerged as the predominant genotype and detections of GII.17 have decreased

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.

“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”

Public Health Scotland: Make sure you’re protected against measles

Cases of measles are on the rise. It’s important everyone going on your family holiday has had two doses of the MMR vaccine before travelling.

Visit

http://nhsinform.scot/MMRagainstMeasles…

to check you and your family are fully protected.

#DontLetMeasles

Mental Health Awareness Week: Call for urgent reform

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re calling on the UK government for urgent reform to protect young people’s mental health. 📢

Today, we’re heading to parliament to raise awareness of the benefits of positive communities – both online and offline – for our mental health.

We’ll also be shining a light on the dangers of digital spaces, and what we must do make online communities safer – particularly for young people.

While there are many supportive and uplifting online communities, there are also harmful ones that promote hatred, self-harm, and dangerous misinformation.

The mental health impacts of these negative environments can be catastrophic. So it’s essential that the government takes action to make these spaces safer, while we also learn about how we can embrace the good, and avoid the bad.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4da0Ggs

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

#ThisIsMyCommunity

Local Scottish Green MSP urges government to protect renters in Edinburgh

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has urged the Scottish Government to support tenants by maintaining protections that are set to expire next month.  

In 2022 the then Green Minister, Patrick Harvie, introduced a temporary cap on most in-tenancy rent increases. Since the end of the cap in March 2024, there has been a temporary rent adjudication system in place, also introduced by Mr Harvie, that has kept rents down for some tenants.  

At the time, the Scottish Government said that the system was to support the transition away from the rent cap to a system of permanent rent controls and to protect tenants from excessively large rent hikes.  

The Scottish Government has said that these temporary restrictions will not be renewed at the end of next month.  

The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Edinburgh is now £1358 which is an increase of 104% since 2010. [1]  

Lorna Slater MSP said: “Rents across Edinburgh have skyrocketed. Renters have paid the price, while private landlords have lined their pockets. And whilst there is legislation on the way to introduce permanent rent controls at last, these won’t come into force until 2027.  

“Right now, renters are protected by temporary controls that were introduced by the Scottish Greens. But these protections are set to expire in a matter of weeks, exposing households across the city to extortionate rent increases.   

“Removing these protections without replacing them would create a cliff edge that risks throwing households and familiesinto financial despair.  

“If the Scottish Government is serious about supporting renters then the least they can do is extend these modest measures to help support renters through the ongoing cost of living crisis.” 

Campaign launched to protect Scottish drinking water from illegal use of lead solder

WaterSafe, the national register for approved installers, is today launching a campaign in Scotland to protect consumers from lead in their drinking water caused by the illegal use of lead solder.

The campaign, launched during the World Health Organisation’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, is calling for all plumbers and installers to pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder.

The use of lead solder in drinking water systems is illegal. Despite this, a survey of plumbers shows a number are still using lead solder in drinking water systems and two-thirds carry it in their bags.

Lead can dissolve into drinking water and if it builds up in the body it can cause health issues, particularly in babies and young children.

WaterSafe, in partnership with the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) for Scotland, is also urging people in charge of buildings to always check plumbers working on their drinking water system only use lead-free solder or fittings which don’t need solder.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “Always using lead-free solder is the only safe option, which is why WaterSafe is calling for installers to sign our pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder. This is a simple step all installers can take to safeguard public health.

“We’re also urging anyone who has work being done on their drinking water plumbing, particularly people in charge of nurseries and schools, as well as landlords, health organisations and local authorities to ask their plumber which type of solder they are using to make sure it’s lead-free.”

David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, said: “I am delighted to support this excellent initiative encouraging behavioural change that protects public health today and for future generations.”

WaterSafe, which is supported by all UK water companies, including Scottish Water, and the DWQR, recommends only employing approved plumbers and installers qualified in the water regulations which are designed to protect drinking water quality.

A separate survey of WaterSafe members showed much higher awareness of the dangers of lead solder.

To find out more about the lead-free initiative or find a local WaterSafe-approved plumber, visit the WaterSafe website.

For more information on lead and drinking water contact Scottish Water for advice and new guidance from the Government on lead is available here.

Students are urged to ensure their vaccines are up to date

Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.

Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.

Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases.  Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.    

Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.

 Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.

“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.

“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.

“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”

There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.  It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections.  Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25. 

To find out about more information about these vaccines, please visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents

If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296.  If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice.  They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.

International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.

Retail crime a “crisis that demands action’

  • BRC survey shows a 50% increase in levels of retail violence and abuse, to 1,300 incidents a day
  • Cost of theft doubled to £1.8 billion in 2022/23 with over 45,000 incidents a day
  • 60% of respondents say police response is “poor” or “very poor”

Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey revealing that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year. The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.

The BRC’s annual crime survey highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail. Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, making retail workers feel safer in the workplace.

It would also mean the police have data that allows them to understand the scale of the issue, and to allocate sufficient resources to deal with it.

This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.



Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.

“With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.

“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to. This is a crisis that demands action now.

“Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.

“The Protection of Workers Act in Scotland already provides additional protection to retail workers, so why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less protection?

“It is vital that government takes action – introducing a new standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker.”



Katy Bourne OBE, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and APCC Lead for Business Crime, said: “The levels of retail crime described in this report reveal an unprecedented level of selfish lawlessness.

“Every day, retail staff are facing the consequences of shoplifters’ brazen behaviour and that’s why I have supported the call for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker.

“Our courts need to work more efficiently, and shoplifters need to be deterred from re-offending. That’s why I’m calling for my fellow Police & Crime Commissioners to focus their police forces on tackling shoplifting by making it a priority in their local Police & Crime Plans.”