This evening the Scottish Parliament has passed the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3. Commenting on the passage of the Bill, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Scottish Retail Consortium Head of Policy, said:

“Scotland has led the way in giving retail workers the legal protection and recognition they deserve. In getting behind Daniel Johnson’s Bill MSPs have voted to pass legislation which explicitly states the abuse of retail workers is unacceptable – sending a clear and unequivocal message that the deplorable rise in abuse and violence should come to an end. With retail workers once again at the forefront in keeping Scotland fed and supplied through a Covid lockdown this is welcome recognition of the vital work they do.

“With retailers spending record amounts on crime prevention, following the passage of this legislation the focus must move to ensuring the justice system has the necessary resources to ensure the law is now enforced. Daniel Johnson MSP’s legislation has created a critical opportunity to turn the tide on shop worker abuse – it’s vital the nettle is grasped.”