New laws have come into effect to better protect shop workers
The amended Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act from 28 June, now states that common assault against anyone working in a retail store will be classed as an aggravated offence, carrying rougher penalties.
Acts of violence against store workers have been increasing, so will now have tougher consequences to give the same protections as other frontline workers dealing directly with the public. This law will hopefully be an effective deterrant, along with better police responses to violence reported by retailers.
