Oldham MP - violence against shopworkers is 'unacceptable'

Jim McMahon (top row, centre) is picture during the recent Retail Crime Steering Group online meeting

Last November, Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon met with shopworkers from the Cathedral Road Co-op in Chadderton and pledged to raise the subject of increased violence against shopworkers with Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime, Baroness Bev Hughes.

Mr McMahon and a group of cross-party MPs from across Greater Manchester met with Ms Hughes to discuss how GMP can better deal with violence against shopworkers, as well as retail crime.

Fast forward six months and there is now a dedicated Retail Crime Steering Group working within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and GMP, meaning that shopworkers' and customers' safety is now a high priority.

The group of Greater Manchester MPs have met regularly with Ms Hughes for updates on the steering group and its plans going forward, and after the most recent meeting last week, Mr McMahon said: “I’m very pleased with the progress that’s been made in Greater Manchester in relatively short time.

"It may take a while yet before shopworkers start noticing the difference, but I’m delighted with the leadership Bev and her team have shown on this.

“I’m really glad that a meeting I had with staff from the Cathedral Road Co-op has turned into something that should make the lives of shopworkers easier.

“The pandemic saw threats, abuse and violence against shopworkers almost double.

"It’s unacceptable and was frankly unsustainable.

"It’s not part of the job and hopefully we’ve now reached a turning point.

“I’d just encourage everyone to follow the Shop Kind guidance - remember how important shopworkers have been in keeping our families fully stocked with the essentials we need.

"Be kind to them and customers whilst shopping, and carry on wearing a face mask to keep shopworkers safe too.”

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