USDAW – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Usdaw welcomes today’s new protection of workers law

Scottish shopworkers speak out about violence, threats and abuse

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed a new law to protect Scottish shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today, 24 August 2021. The union is urging shopworkers to report incidents to ensure the legislation is able to have an effect on ever increasing incidents.

The ground-breaking legislation was supported by MSPs after Usdaw’s long-running campaign led to the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).

Usdaw has launched a Freedom from Fear summer campaign week from 22-29 August, with shocking statistics from their annual survey. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:

92% have experienced verbal abuse,
70% were threatened by a customer,
14% were assaulted.
One in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, including 5% who had been assaulted.

Scottish voices from the frontline

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

Central Scotland: “Abusive because they are having to wait in a queue or at self-scan to get alcohol or security tags taken off.”- “Have been threatened by violence once I finish work, will wait on me outside and kick my head in.”

Glasgow: “Had a bottle held over my head for my till. Been called a rat and been warned to watch myself walking home at night.” – “Customer tried to punch me, had threats of physical violence and called several demeaning names by customers.”

Highlands and Islands: “Social distancing and mask wearing have resulted in confrontations that have got particularly aggressive.”- “I have had someone throw their shopping at me when I have asked to stay 2m away.”

Lothian: “Lack of respect for requesting social distancing.” – “Multiple times I’ve had stuff thrown at me and once was kicked into a machine.” – “People insulting me or raising their voices when asked to follow basic covid regulations.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “We have been verbally abused regarding the safe system in place with regards to reopening our cafe.” – “Mainly shoplifters, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse.”

North East Scotland: “Mainly verbal aggressive abuse from customers. Rudeness, insults and shouting.” – “Customers argue when you explain the licensing regulations.”

South Scotland: “Sworn at, spat at, kicked at, punched at, eggs thrown at me.”- “Customer would not social distance, I got an absolute mouthful, said he knew better as he was a doctor.”

West Scotland: “Staff being grabbed by customers, threatened with knives, racially abused and received degrading comments calling us stupid little girls, worthless, and idiots.” – “Customers really think they can say whatever they want to us.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.

“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate why the Scottish Parliament was right to pass a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.

“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.

“We continue to campaign for the UK Government to follow MSPs’ lead by extending similar protections to retail staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”

Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw’s Scottish Regional Secretary, says: “We welcome this ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today. We again thank Daniel Johnson MSP and all MSPs for listening to the pleas of our members and giving them the legislative support they so desperately need.

“For this new legislation to have a real impact, we need to make sure staff report incidents of violence, threats or abuse to their manager. We are aware that some retail workers may feel it won’t make a difference, but my message to shopworkers is absolutely clear: report it to sort it.

“We are working with the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote the new law. We want criminals to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is unacceptable and will land them with a stiffer sentence. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”

‘One last push towards normality’

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that Edinburgh will move from Level 2 to Level 0 on Monday (19^th July).

Moving to level 0 means that 8 people from 4 households will be able to meet indoors and 10 people from 4 households in an indoor setting such as a pub or restaurant. 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors; up to 2,000 people can attend stadia seated, 1,000 standing, with 400 people indoors. The limit on attendance at weddings and funerals has increased to 200.

International travellers arriving from amber list countries will not have to self-isolate if they have had two COVID vaccines, but the advice remains not to travel unless it is essential.

The First Minister also made it clear that face masks will continue to be mandatory in certain settings and are likely to be in the future.

SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement that Edinburgh will move to Level 0 from Monday July 19^th, this is a welcome step in easing restrictions and returning to normality.

“This is our one last push towards normality, I am very grateful for the efforts of everyone in Edinburgh to follow the rules and keep everyone safe.

“To get us over the line we need to continue to follow the rules which understandably continue to state that we must still wear face coverings in the settings we have been doing so in for some time now.

“It is also very important, if you have not already, to get vaccinated. There is a walk-in centre set up here for anyone who has not yet had a first dose or if you have waited 8 or more weeks for your second dose.

“Vaccination is our route out of the pandemic and we are in a race between the virus and the vaccine and we cannot allow the virus to get ahead.

“I would urge everyone to follow the rules laid out in the First Minister’s statement to ensure we can move to a greater sense of normality on the Scottish Government’s route map on August 9^th.”

Mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland is right, says Usdaw

– customers urged to follow the rules and respect shopworkers –

Retail trade union Usdaw has successfully lobbied for the continued mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland for the foreseeable future.

The union is calling on retailers to promote face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing in their stores and urging shoppers to adhere to the law.

Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland, said: “It is right that requirements to wear face coverings in Scotland’s shops continue, which is what Usdaw called for.

“We are asking retailers to promote to customers the wearing of face coverings, continuing with hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing. We also ask the public to show their support and respect for shopworkers by following the law.

“Wearing a face covering in a shop is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with large numbers of people as a part of their job. Many retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families.

“Supermarket workers and delivery drivers have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”

In responding to the First Minister’s statement the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: “Scottish licensed trade operators, while welcoming today’s announcement by the First Minister that Scotland will move to a modified version of Level 0 rules from Monday, remain disappointed that they must still operate under restrictions and at limited capacity.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said it was a “relief to have some clarity” from the Scottish Government but added: There’s still quite a lot of uncertainty about what will happen from August 9^th.

“We urge the Scottish Government to give businesses – and the public – messaging that is both clear and consistent to avoid confusion. Clarity is key as our sector tries to save what is left of the summer.

“That hospitality can open until midnight if their current licence permits that from July 19th is, of course, good news and it will help some businesses tart to claw back lost trade. However, as the one-metre physical distancing rule remains in place, that will be very difficult for some premises, particularly smaller ones.

“The announcement also leaves those still unable to open because of their size or the entertainment they provide, such as late opening premises and nightclubs, no further forward.”

Mr Wilkinson also reiterated the SLTA’s call for further financial aid to ensure the survival of the licensed hospitality industry as it plays its part in rebuilding the economy.

“There needs to be an extension to the current support schemes available such as furlough, VAT reduction, deferral of loan repayments and so on.”

New Year’s Day working petition launched – after 14 year delay!

A consultation seeking the views of business, retailers and shop workers on New Year’s Day trading has been published by the Scottish Government. Union leaders have welcomed the announcement – but say it’s 14 years late!

The move follows an Usdaw petition to the Scottish Parliament, which was supported by the Public Petitions Committee who pressed Ministers to commit to a consultation.

Running for 10 weeks until 24 August, the consultation aims to determine whether the current law should change and restrict large retailers from trading on New Year’s Day as is the case on Christmas Day.

Affected stakeholders, including large retailers and their staff, are strongly encouraged to participate in the consultation which follows a parliamentary petition calling for trading on 1 January to be prohibited.

Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The last year has shown how much we all rely on retailers and their staff who have supported the country during the pandemic. As we look at recovery and building a sustainable economy we need to consider what will support businesses and their staff in the future.

“Following a petition to the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee calling for trading to be banned on New Year’s Day, the Scottish Government has been engaging with business groups, trades unions and others to understand what impact this would have on business and staff.

“This consultation will help us to determine whether the current law should change and restrict large retailers from trading on New Year’s Day, as they currently do on Christmas Day.

“The Scottish Government encourages everybody with an interest to complete this consultation to ensure their views are considered.

“As we recover from the COVID pandemic we are committed to building on the £3.6 billion in support we have delivered to businesses since March 2020 and ensure we seize Scotland’s economic potential, creating secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs.”

Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland, said: “Today’s launch of a consultation on large stores closing on New Year’s Day, after an unnecessary 14 year delay, is a step forward in our campaign to get a proper break for shopworkers over the festive period.

“As key workers delivering the essential service of keeping the nation fed, shopworkers deserve a decent break over the festive period. They have worked long hours in difficult circumstances throughout the pandemic, faced unprecedented levels of abuse and worried every working day about catching the virus and taking it home to their families.

“However this is not just a campaign for the pandemic, our members have for many years demanded a proper break after the extremely busy and stressful shopping period in the run-up to Christmas. 98% say that large stores should be closed and only 4% are happy to work on New Year’s Day or 2 January.

“Hogmanay and New Year is a special holiday, but this is not reflected in the experience of many retail workers, with three-quarters saying they spend too little time with friends and family.

“We will be encouraging our members to engage with the consultation, to ensure the voices of shopworkers are heard. If we can secure a positive outcome, Usdaw will be calling for the necessary legislative processes to be completed in time for 1 January 2022.”

New Year’s Day Trading for Large Retailers Consultation – Scottish Government – Citizen Space

Protection of shopworkers law to come into force on 24 August

Usdaw welcomes Scottish legislation and urges UK Government to follow suit

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, confirming that a new law to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse will come into force on 24 August 2021.

Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw’s Scottish Regional Secretary, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation that ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse will come in to force on 24 August. We again thank Daniel Johnson MSP and all MSPs for listening to the pleas of our members and giving them the legislative support they so desperately need.

“Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. Our 2020 survey showed that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. This new law firmly backs up Usdaw’s clear message that abuse is not part of the job.

“We are now looking to work with the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote the new law. We want criminals to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is unacceptable and will land them with a stiffer sentence. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “The Scottish Parliament is leading the way on protection of shopworkers. Today our petition for similar legislation in the UK Parliament is being debated in the House of Commons (see below).

“We urge MPs to support the aims of our petition and persuade the Government to back legislation to protect shopworkers. They have the perfect opportunity by accepting an amendment from Sarah Jones MP to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which we hope will be supported in the bill committee.

“Retail employers, leading retail bodies and the shopworkers’ trade union are jointly calling for legislation, so it is time for the Government and MPs to listen.

“We are now looking for MPs to support key workers across the retail sector and help turn around the UK Government’s opposition and follow Scotland’s lead.”

A survey of over 12,000 retail workers has found that only 1 in 5 shopworkers who reported incidents of abuse or violence were satisfied with the official response from the police or their employer.

Westminster’s Home Affairs Committee has published the findings of its survey, which asked retail and other shopworkers to share their experiences of incidents of violence and abuse. Two thirds of those who reported incidents suggested no help was given to them after receiving an initial response from their employer or the police.

The Committee asked retail workers about the frequency of incidents, how these were reported, what action was taken by the police or employers and what should be done to prevent abuse in future. The majority of respondents had both witnessed and experienced verbal or physical abuse at work.

The survey found that 87% of respondents had reported incidents to their employer but, in 45% of these cases, no further action was taken. Half of respondents reported incidents to the police, of which only 12% led to an arrest.

A third of respondents did not report incidents to their employer because they believed nothing would be done or it was ‘just part of the job’. Over a quarter did not report incidents because they believed the police would not do anything about it.

Respondents felt that better security at retail premises and more severe punishments for offenders would help prevent incidents in the future.

The public survey was held as part of the committee’s inquiry into ‘Violence and abuse towards retail workers’. The findings are published ahead of today’s Westminster Hall debate on an e-petition calling for more protection for retail workers.

The Committee’s Chair, Yvette Cooper MP, said: “During the Covid crisis, we’ve seen an appalling and unacceptable increase in reported attacks and abuse against shop workers.

“No one should feel unsafe at their place of work and there are no circumstances where such behaviour should be tolerated. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences with the Committee.

“The sheer number of responses we have received shows just how widespread this problem is. In far too many cases retail workers don’t report incidents as they feel nothing will be done or that they’re expected to deal with such appalling incidents as part of their job. That’s simply not the case and it’s clear that action is needed to change this.

“The Committee is currently assessing the wider evidence we’ve received – I hope the Government responds constructively to the serious issues we have identified.”

Usdaw urges customers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers as Scotland’s shops reopen

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on customers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers, as non-essential stores in Scotland reopen.

Stewart Forrest – Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland says: “The reopening of non-essential shops offers a lifeline for many retailers. That is good news for helping to safeguard jobs, but the virus is still out there.

“We expect employers to ensure that robust safety measures are in place and that customers are fully aware of the restrictions. Shoppers need to play their part in helping to limit the spread of the virus and avoid further lockdowns by following the rules and respecting staff.

“Regrettably, throughout this appalling pandemic, incidents of abuse towards shopworkers doubled. It should never be just a part of the job and shopworkers must be respected. Retail staff are working with the public every day and are not only facing increased abuse, but also a higher chance of catching Covid-19.”

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Usdaw have jointly asked Scots to play their part in creating a safe and enjoyable retail environment for other customers and shop staff.

The SRC and Usdaw are encouraging shoppers to:

queue considerately,
maintain physical distancing,
wear face coverings, and
follow instructions and be respectful to shop staff.

Usdaw urges shoppers to follow the rules as more shops reopen

Customers urged by Usdaw to respect shopworkers as shops start to reopen

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on customers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers, as stores in Scotland start to gradually reopen with ‘click and collect’ services next Monday 5 April.

Stewart Forrest – Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland says: “The gradual reopening of stores on Monday, with ‘click and collect’ services, offers a lifeline for many retailers. That is good news in terms of helping to safeguard jobs, but the virus is still out there.

Scottish retail staff speak out about increased abuse during the pandemic

Usdaw urges respect for shopworkers

Survey Results 2020: Campaign to end violence and abuse against retail workers

Retail trade union Usdaw is urging customers to respect shopworkers as they today release new statistics showing that 79% of shopworkers say abuse was worse last year.

Scottish shopworkers are speaking out about their own experiences ahead of a new protection of shopworkers law coming into force in August.

The final results of Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

88% experienced verbal abuse,
60% were threatened by a customer,
9% were assaulted.

The full report can be downloaded from: www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2020

Scottish voices from the frontline:

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

Central Scotland: “I challenged the customer under ‘Think 25’ – he threw his shopping at me and tried to grab me.” – “Punched in back when filling shelf by a customer, just to ask me if I am busy!” – “Told that I’m a f***ing cow.”

Glasgow: “Customer swore at me and hit with sandwich.” – “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.” – “Finger pointing in face and being poked with finger.” – “Customer trying to punch me on the body.”

Highlands and Islands: “Asking politely to keep a 2 metre distance. Was told to f*** off & get on with my work.” – “Throwing money at me.” – “Verbal abuse, mainly from people influenced by drugs and alcohol.”

Lothian: “People get stroppy about wearing face coverings.” – “Customers have called me an ‘idiot’ for asking for ID.” – “Had a customer grab my bottom when leaning over me to get at products.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Customers take their frustrations out on the staff, being verbally abusive for no reason and treating us like dirt.” – “Threats, coughing in my face, rants at having to wait in a queue.”

North East Scotland: “Shoplifters angry at being challenged.” – “An attempted armed robbery, verbal abuse from shoplifters, verbal abuse from intoxicated customers and verbal abuse from people who’ve been asked for ID.”

South Scotland: “Covid related abuse about social distancing and queues at checkouts.” – “Get verbal abuse asking for ID.” – “customers being nasty, shouting in front of the rest of the queue, and shouting abuse when carrying out Challenge 25.”

West Scotland: “Drunk people unable to accept service refusal, usually verbal also been spat at and threats.” – “When politely explaining our refund policy some people get very abusive when they find out they cannot exchange without a receipt.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.

“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers. It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and one in ten assaulted.

“We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused.

“So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament in January. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is that the public understands that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we are working with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

FFFSurveyResultsReport Download

Usdaw congratulates Sarwar on being elected new Leader of Scottish Labour Party

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has congratulated Anas Sarwar MSP on his election as the new Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

Stewart Forrest – Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland says: “Usdaw nominated Anas Sarwar for leader because we believe he is the right person to rebuild Scottish Labour and then rebuild Scotland. So we are delighted that he has won the support of Labour members and affiliated supporters.

“Usdaw members, their families and working people across Scotland need a strong Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament and across the country, speaking out for them on their issues. With the election coming in May, it is crucial that Scottish Labour comes together behind the new leader and puts forward a positive message to the country.

“The SNP Government are failing to deliver social justice, tackle poverty and address the crisis in health and education. Usdaw members need Labour in power to deliver change. I know that Anas does not underestimate the challenge ahead for Labour and Usdaw will be working with him to help improve Scottish workers’ lives.”

Usdaw and Crimestoppers unite to challenge abuse of shopworkers

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the launch of a joint campaign by Crimestoppers Scotland to raise awareness and stop abuse of shopworkers. The key message is to ‘speak up 100% anonymously about attacks on shopworkers’.

The independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland joint campaign comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern). The campaign is supported by Usdaw, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Scottish Government.

Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

88% experienced verbal abuse
61% were threatened by a customer
9% were assaulted.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, says: “Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. We owe them a debt of gratitude and abuse should never be a part of their job.

“The final results of our 2020 survey show that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is criminals understanding that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we welcome the opportunity to work with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

Angela Parker of Crimestoppers says: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.

“Please help us to help you by telling us, completely anonymously, what you know. You can talk to us by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can use our easy and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Voices from the frontline:

Some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

“Shouting, being dismissed, being spoken down to. Treated like scum.”
“We deal with everything – threatened to be stabbed after work, family threatened, grabbed by the neck and pushed against the wall.”
“Pandemic has brought out the worst behaviour in many people. Verbal abuse for limiting items during lockdown, making people queue and most for mask wearing.”
“Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.”
“Always about alcohol. The refusal to sell to an intoxicated person or when asking for age identification.”

The impact of abuse, threats and violence on retail staff will be highlighted in a new awareness-raising campaign.

It comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill and findings from the Scottish Grocers Federation, which show a rise in reported attacks on staff in 2020.

Real life testimonies feature in the campaign emphasising the damaging effect this criminal behaviour has on retail staff.

The campaign is being delivered by Crimestoppers, Fearless and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and is being funded by the Scottish Government.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Shop workers play a crucial role in our communities and their outstanding dedication and sacrifice throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has only emphasised this.

“While overall violent crime is much lower than a decade ago, the Scottish Grocers Federation crime survey last year indicated an increase in verbal or physical abuse in 2020 among the sector. Such appalling behaviour is completely unacceptable and no one should have to experience it while doing their job. Like everyone else, shop workers are fully entitled to be able to work free from the threat of violence or abuse.

“Our awareness campaign encourages everyone to be respectful and think about how they interact with shop workers. For any shop worker who experience this type of criminal behaviour, we ask that they report it immediately to the Police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers or Fearless.org”

Dr John Lee of the Scottish Grocers Federation said: “The launch of this retail crime campaign is a major step forward in making our shops safer for retailers and customers.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the campaign and we are fully committed to making it a success. Shop staff should not have to put up with any form of abuse or threatening behaviour and we are calling on all our colleagues across the industry to report every incidence of retail crime.”

Angela Parker of CrimeStoppers said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.”

Usdaw court victory blocks Tesco ‘fire and rehire’ tactic

Court of Session rules in favour of workers affected

Retail trade union Usdaw yesterday won an interdict in the Court of Session in Edinburgh against Tesco forcing some of the staff at the Livingston distribution centre onto a new contract, which would result in the affected staff losing between £4,000 and £19,000 per year.

The judgement, which applies to the Livingston site only, means that Tesco are legally prohibited from unilaterally withdrawing entitlement to retained pay and/or terminating the contract in order to re-engage the worker on new terms which do not include retained pay.

The ‘fire and rehire’ proposal also affects workers in Litchfield, Daventry clothing and Avonmouth Tesco distribution centres and we will continue to fight for same result for our members at these sites.

Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw National Officer, says: “We are very pleased to have secured this victory for our members who faced a huge cut in wages after Tesco moved to renege on a longstanding collective agreement made in good faith. It is a major victory in the fight against ‘fire and rehire’ tactics, which are now being used by too many businesses.

“The court delivered a temporary prohibition and we are now calling on the company to honour the judgment and withdraw its plans at all sites. We stand ready to seek a permanent interdict for Livingston and a High Court injunction for the other sites to defend this unfair pay cut for hundreds of key workers.

“Tesco can stop this now, by doing the right thing and withdrawing their threat to these longstanding staff, who have worked throughout the pandemic to keep stores stocked with the essential items we all rely on.”