SINCE THE PANDEMIC, I'VE SUFFERED ABUSE NEARLY EVERY DAY
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THE BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR USDAW ACTIVISTS – MARCH/APRIL 2021 ABUSE SURVEY’S SHOCK FINDINGS “SINCE THE PANDEMIC, I’VE SUFFERED ABUSE NEARLY EVERY DAY” RETAIL | DELIVERY | WAREHOUSE | MANUFACTURING |
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CAMPAIGNING FOR
Network is published bimonthly and
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CHANGE IN 2021
U
sdaw members have
PUBLISHED BY: been on the frontline of
Usdaw
the pandemic since the
188 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6LJ
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start and the union’s work has
e: network@usdaw.org.uk been dominated by trying to
w: usdaw.org.uk support them through this
crisis. As well as supporting
HEAD OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS members Usdaw has been
Mike Glover campaigning hard on a
EDITOR number of issues; with two big
Saiqa Khushnood wins in recent months.
In January, we had a great
REPORTER
Sarah Sherborne result for our members in
Scotland, as MSPs voted
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT through ground-breaking
Paula Barke
legislation to give shopworkers
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS the protection of the law that
Emily Rowles, Heather Neagle, Jo Bird, they deserve.
Debra Blow, Adam Kaczmarek, Following on from this, the Freedom From Fear
Doug Russell and David Williams. Usdaw's Justice for Injured campaign calls for legislation
PHOTOGRAPHERS Workers campaign succeeded to protect shopworkers to be
Della Batchelor, Lee Boswell, David Finch, in keeping the small claims implemented in the rest of
Callum Harrison, Joe Newman, Ian Sadler, SWNS. limit for employer’s liability the UK.
Via Getty Images: and public liability claims at We will also continue to urge
Paul Bradbury, filadendron, gemphotography,
£1,000. Thereby ensuring that the Government to prioritise
georgeclerk, michaelpuche, sestovic, SolStock, sturti,
undefined undefined, xavierarnau.
thousands of workers can retail workers for vaccinations
COVER: Posed by a model continue to seek justice with and we will fight the
proper representation. Government tooth and nail if
This year Usdaw will they try to erode employment
ADVERTISING continue to work hard to rights following the end of the
Century One Publishing
ensure it improves the working pandemic.
Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road,
lives of its members. Our I want to thank our reps for
St Albans, AL3 4DG
campaigning work will include the amazing work they do day
ACCOUNT MANAGER the New Deal for Workers in and day out. Without them
Jack Green
campaign which calls for supporting and representing
t: 01727 739 196
decent pay and conditions members, raising awareness
e: jack@centuryonepublishing.uk
for every worker including a about campaigns, filling in
©Usdaw 2021 reproduction in whole minimum wage of at least £10 surveys and signing petitions it
or part by any means without written per hour, an end to insecure would be impossible for us to
permissions of the publishers employment, respect for do the work we do.
is strictly forbidden. shopworkers and action to
This publisher accepts no responsibility ensure that retail jobs are
for errors, omissions or the no longer underpaid and
consequences thereof. undervalued. Usdaw General Secretary
Our Retail Recovery Plan,
calls on the Government
to implement a plan to
save the retail sector and
March/April 2021 3
Bitesize
learning
that can be
accessed
anywhere
at anytime
www.usdaw.org.uk/bitesize
Contents | NETWORK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COVID-19: UPDATE
10 | Usdaw's general secretary Paddy Lillis looks back
at the past year and sets the priorities for 2021.
CAMPAIGNS UPDATE
12 | An update on Usdaw's campaigns including
Freedom From Fear and A New Deal for Workers.
LIFELONG LEARNING: WRITE NOW
18 | Read the stories of Usdaw members living and
working through the pandemic.
20
ACADEMY 2015
20 | Network speaks to the graduates from Academy1
in 2015 to find out what they have been up to.
NEW USDAW EXECUTIVE
23| Following union elections meet Usdaw's new
president and executive council.
DRIVERS IN FOCUS
24 | Answering frequently asked questions including
safety, two-person operations and traffic offences.
26
EQUALITIES
32 | Highlights from this year's online TUC LGBT+ event
and a feature on long Covid.
PENSIONS
34 | A handy guide on how to hold a Pension
Awareness Day in your workplace.
REGULARS
03 FOREWORD
24
06 NEWS
26 ACTIVIST-IN-DEPTH
28 REPS TOOLKIT
38 HEALTH & SAFETY
42 MEMBER OFFERS
45 PUBLICATIONS UPDATE
32 46 TWITTER TUTORIAL
March/April 2021 5
NETWORK | News
IN THE NEWS
Don’t forget to email the editor your view network@usdaw.org.uk
PANDEMIC EXPOSES INEQUALITIES
U
sdaw continues
the campaign for
equality through the
pandemic.
Usdaw marked
International Women’s
Day by pledging to
continue to campaign
for equality and to keep
women’s equality high on
the union’s negotiating,
organising and political
agendas. Prior to the
pandemic inequality in
the UK was worsening.
During the crisis Usdaw
has campaigned to
tackle inequality with its
New Deal for Workers
campaign.
Usdaw general “Key workers delivering wage earners. Over half experience domestic and
secretary Paddy Lillis essential services have of all zero-hours workers sexual violence and abuse.
said: “On International kept the country going were women and nearly “Today, women are
Women’s Day we celebrate through the crisis; the six out of 10 were more likely than men to be
women’s contribution to majority are women and self-employed workers. members of a trade union
society, family life and too often underpaid and “Poverty in the UK at and strong workplace
workplaces. We also undervalued. the point at which the organisation is crucial
continue our campaigning “Women workers have crisis struck was highly to defend and further
for more to be done to been particularly hard feminised and women women’s rights at work.
better support women by hit due in part to the fact continue to be the One of the most effective
tackling discrimination and that inequality between majority of people living in ways to deliver better pay,
promoting equality. women and men at work poverty; female-headed decent work and fairness
“The coronavirus was already steadily households are more for women at work is for
pandemic has dramatically and at times sharply likely to be poor and prior employers to recognise
exposed the structural increasing. Women were to Covid-19 women were and work with trade
inequalities in our disproportionately more more likely to struggle unions.”
society. Where there is likely to be in low-paid and with debt and bills. On
poverty, prejudice, and insecure employment. At average, women carried
@UsdawUnion
discrimination, the virus the start of 2020 women out 60 per cent more
has left a trail of broken were, and still are, the unpaid work than men,
UsdawUnion
lives in its wake and we will majority of low-paid women in the UK earn
not rest until those divides workers making up nearly less and own less and
UsdawUnion
have been closed. seven out of 10 of all low- women are more likely to
6 March/April 2021
News | NETWORK
NO GO FOR SHOPWORKERS
AMAZON GO MAKES ITS DEBUT IN LONDON
Amazon has opened its first is to cut the number of retail jobs in
checkout free convenience store in stores through the launch of shops
London which offers shoppers an with no checkouts. Retail workers
automated shopping experience. deserve better.
Instead of paying at staffed or “We also have real concerns about
self-service checkouts, AI-powered theft from stores, disputes over
sensors track the items taken from technology errors and customer
shelves and placed in the basket. confusion on how systems work.
Once customers exit the store, they There is also the question of Covid
pay on their card via the Amazon Go security and how necessary safety
app. measures like hand hygiene, social
Usdaw general secretary Paddy distancing and face coverings are
Lillis said: “Shopworkers provide enforced.
the customer service that many “All too often retailers are dazzled
shoppers really value and retailers by new technology, chasing solutions
need to understand the importance to problems that don’t exist. Usdaw
of that to the success of their believes that employers should
business. invest in staff as well as machines.
“In the current crisis retail workers Well-paid shopworkers, in secure
have rightly been applauded as key jobs, who are valued and respected
workers and now Amazon’s strategy are what is best for business.”
A GUIDE TO ADM 2021 SARWAR LABOUR WIN
USDAW ADM 2021 GOES DIGITAL
Usdaw has congratulated Anas
Sarwar on being elected the
new Leader of the Scottish
Labour Party.
This year’s Annual Delegate Meeting running concurrently with Usdaw divisional officer for
will be an online two-day event conference proceedings. Scotland Stewart Forrest said:
held on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 Usdaw has produced a guide “Usdaw nominated Anas Sarwar
April 2021. The event will be video- to the virtual conference called for leader because we believe
streamed to delegates with a secure Members’ Guide to the Annual Delegate he is the right person to rebuild
online voting system, operated by an Meeting - A Special Guide to the 2021 Scottish Labour and then
independent external organisation, Virtual Conference. rebuild Scotland.
The guide describes the “Usdaw members, their
main purpose of ADM, how it is families and working people
organised and how it carries out across Scotland need a strong
its business. It covers propositions Labour Party in the Scottish
and amendments, Standing Orders Parliament and across the
Committee, debates and voting country, speaking out for
procedures. The guide has particular them on their issues. With the
emphasis on how the 2021 online election coming in May, it is
ADM will operate. crucial that Scottish Labour
It is written for all Usdaw comes together behind the
members, but particularly for those new leader and puts forward
attending their first ADM. a positive message to the
All this year’s delegates will receive country.”
a copy in April before ADM.
March/April 2021 7
NETWORK | News
NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL COULD OPEN FROM 12 APRIL
REOPENING OF SHOPS MUST BE DONE SAFELY
Usdaw calls on customers to follow
the rules and for retail staff to be
prioritised for vaccination.
Usdaw general secretary Paddy
Lillis said: “The reopening of non-
essential stores offers a lifeline for
many retailers. That is good news in
terms of helping to safeguard jobs,
but the virus is still out there. It is
essential that the tests set out by
the Government before reopening
are followed, so that shops only
reopen when the data suggests that
it will be safe.
“When they do reopen, we expect
employers to maintain necessary
safety measures, including two
metre distancing, and call on
customers to follow the rules
and respect staff. Regrettably,
throughout this appalling pandemic, to the public and other workers, in phase two of the vaccine roll
incidents of abuse towards as well as an indoor working out. We will continue to urge the
shopworkers doubled. It should environment, are key factors in the Government to reconsider the
never be just a part of the job and spread of coronavirus infection. decision.
shopworkers must be respected. “Usdaw has consistently “In the meantime, we are
“Retail staff are working with the campaigned for vulnerable continuing to work with employers
public every day and are not only occupations to be prioritised in to ensure that staff are working in
facing increased abuse, but also a the second phase of the vaccine the safest conditions possible.
higher chance of catching Covid-19. rollout, reflecting the risks they “We are also urging customers
The Office for National Statistics face. They have worked throughout to follow the necessary safety
demonstrated that many key the pandemic to keep the measures like social distancing,
workers, who are providing essential country supplied with essentials wearing a face covering and only
services during the pandemic, have and deserved to be prioritised. shopping for essential items to
an elevated Covid-19 related death Therefore, it is deeply disappointing help make shops safer and limit the
rate. It is clear that close proximity that they were not prioritised spread of Covid-19.”
WIN
£100 gift vouchers
WWW.USDAW.ORG.UK/WIN
atSponsored by Usdaw Health and Dental Plan www.usdaw.org.uk/healthplan Closing date 1 June 2021. Terms apply.
Due to the current situation with Covid 19, the voucher will be despatched as soon as possible after the draw has taken place.
8 March/April 2021
News | NETWORK
OBITUARY KEITH BARROWCLIFFE
IN BRIEF
B&M A FOND TRIBUTE TO KEITH
B&M announced it is set
to open a new store at The union was saddened to hear of at Blandford in Dorset.
Colton Retail Park in Leeds the death of Usdaw member and From the age of 15, Keith attended
creating more than 70 lifelong activist Keith Barrowcliffe who all the union meetings and activities
jobs for local people. died in January. He was 87. for young members around the
Keith was a popular and well- country. He also became the youngest
BOOHOO respected figure across the North president of Gorton trades council.
The online retailer Boohoo West division and the wider union In his retirement, Keith continued
has acquired Debenhams where he was very actively involved to play a very active role within the
in a £55m deal that will with his branch and the union’s retired union as branch chair and a member
result in the department members’ committee. He had recently of the North West divisional retired
store disappearing from proudly celebrated an impressive 70 members’ committee, assisting in
the high street, with the years of Usdaw membership. campaigning work and promoting
likely loss of up to 12,000 Born in Droylsden, Tameside in the union, particularly among retail
jobs. 1933, Keith first became interested workers. He always attended
in politics and the trade union divisional conferences and was a
ASOS movement at the age of 10. He was regular at the union’s annual delegate
Thousands of jobs heavily influenced by his dad who was meeting.
remain at risk after the a shop steward for English Steel in Outside of work, Keith was
online fashion retailer Openshaw and the pair would go to voluntarily involved with many
Asos struck a £295m political meetings together to listen to organisations. He was the secretary
deal to buy four brands socialist speakers in Belle Vue. of Abbey Hey Working Men’s Club for
from failed retail group Keith joined Usdaw in 1949 after over 20 years and a qualified lecturer
Arcadia. About 300 people starting work as a trainee butcher for and executive member of the CIU
currently employed will the Co-operative in 1948. He took a (Club & Institute Union) for over 20
transfer to Asos, but a break from work in 1950 to complete years advising on licensing and law,
question mark hangs over two years’ national service in the betting and gaming. Keith served as
thousands more jobs. catering corp where he was stationed Justice of the Peace for over 25 years
before retiring at the age of
JOHN LEWIS 70. He was also a qualified
John Lewis is considering snooker referee and examiner
closing some department and refereed at the first World
stores, which would result Snooker Championships at
in many job losses. the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
in 1977.
WH SMITH Usdaw general secretary
WH Smith is set to close Paddy Lillis paid tribute: “Keith
25 high street stores, gave a lifetime of commitment
affecting nearly 200 to Usdaw and the wider trade
jobs, after the pandemic union movement, and even
pushed the retailer £280 after retiring was keen to
million into the red. play a crucial role supporting
members and helping to build
PAPERCHASE the union. He was a great
Stationery chain servant and ambassador
Paperchase is on the brink for Usdaw and we are so
of administration after it very grateful for his lifelong
was forced to close over contribution.
Christmas. The company “Our sincere condolences
has 127 stores and about go to Keith’s family and
1,500 employees. Keith and Paddy Lillis friends.”
March/April 2021 9
NETWORK | Covid-19 Update
L
ast year and the start of this
year have been like no other
for Usdaw and its members.
The union’s entire membership has
been impacted by Covid-19, and the
pandemic has dominated the union’s
work throughout the year.
In the face of extreme pressure,
Usdaw members have kept the
supply chain moving, the shelves
stacked and essentials delivered to
the vulnerable. When others stayed
safe at home, they worked tirelessly
in extremely difficult conditions.
We must also recognise the work of
our members in funeral services,
whose compassion and care has
been extraordinary, in the most
unimaginably difficult circumstances.
The union has been focused
throughout the year on supporting
all of its members through the
crisis. When the Covid-19 pandemic
took hold in March 2020, food
retail members were desperately
worried for their safety at work
and experiencing huge pressure
as panic-buying erupted. Members
in non-food retail were extremely
concerned too, as their workplaces
closed and they worried about pay
and job security.
Key Workers
The union immediately lobbied
for retail supply chain and funeral
workers to be given priority for
key worker places in schools, and
pushed employers to support
members who were shielding,
vulnerable or pregnant, and to top
up furlough pay where workplaces
were closed. Union officials and reps
called for urgent safety measures in
TWELVE MONTHS workplaces that remained open.
New Deal for Workers
LIKE NO OTHER The union made a renewed call
for decent pay and conditions for
every worker, with our New Deal
for Workers campaign. Following
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis looks at representations from the union,
the past year and sets the priorities for this year many members received bonuses to
recognise their contribution during
the crisis. However, we have been
clear that permanent improvements
10 March/April 2021Covid-19 Update | NETWORK
to pay and conditions are needed for to raise awareness and stop be a turning point where working
workers across the sectors where abuse of shopworkers. Usdaw is people should have their rights at
we organise. The campaign calls looking forward to working with work strengthened, not threatened.
for a range of measures, including Crimestoppers Scotland, the The whole of the labour movement
a minimum wage of £10 per hour, Scottish Government, police and will fight tooth and nail to protect
secure hours, increased sick pay and retailers to promote that message. and extend our rights.
job security.
Union Learning Fund Vaccination for Key Workers
Retail Recovery Plan At a time when retraining and Usdaw has consistently campaigned
The pandemic has heightened the upskilling is of the utmost for shopworkers to be prioritised
crisis facing the retail sector. At importance the Government for vaccination, however the Joint
least 180,000 jobs were confirmed announced that all ULF funding will Committee on Vaccination and
as lost during 2020, and, with the be withdrawn from the end of March Immunisation ( JCVI) has rejected
collapse of Debenhams and Arcadia, 2021 in England. Around 200,000 prioritisation by occupation.
a further 25,000 jobs were under workers are supported each year The Office for National Statistics
threat by the end of the year. The into learning or training with union evidence on Covid-19 death rates by
union has been making the case for support through the ULF. Despite occupation, showed that many key
an urgent recovery plan for the retail writing to the chancellor, and reps workers are at a higher risk.
sector, including action to level the and members putting up a fight, the We strongly urge the Government
playing field between online and Government announced it would go to reconsider the decision. In
bricks and mortar retail. ahead with this change. the meantime, we are working
Usdaw will continue to urge the with employers to revisit risk
Freedom From Fear Government to rethink their decision assessments and ensure that all
The Freedom From Fear campaign to scrap union learning. safety precautions are adhered to.
has, sadly, been more relevant We also call on the public to follow
than ever this year. Almost 90 per Protecting Employment Rights the necessary safety measures in
cent of shopworkers experienced At the start of the year rumours stores, like wearing a face covering,
verbal abuse at work and one in emerged in the Financial Times that observing social distancing,
10 was physically attacked. Social the Government had been secretly shopping alone where possible and
distancing measures became the drawing up plans to water down respecting shopworkers.
most common flashpoint for abuse, more of our members’ workplace
and there were appalling cases of rights such as rest breaks and Importance of unions
shopworkers being coughed on paid holiday entitlements. After The crisis has demonstrated just
and spat at. There has been strong initially denying the rumours, the how important it is that every worker
public support for our campaign, Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng has the support of their union.
and Usdaw reps helped to deliver confirmed that the rumours were The hard work and commitment
more than 100,000 signatures on true, and the Government are in fact of Usdaw reps during the year
our Parliamentary petition, which reviewing workplace protections. has been absolutely outstanding.
calls for assault or abuse of a Losing these hard-won rights Despite facing huge pressures and
shopworker to be made a specific would lower living standards further worries of their own, reps continued
offence with appropriate penalties. after a decade of stagnating pay and to advise members in the workplace,
The UK Government responded to growing insecurity, causing working to implement safety measures and
our petition with little more than people to further tighten their speak up when improvements were
sympathy and objected to the Alex belts and hold back any economic needed.
Norris ‘protection of shopworkers’ recovery. Millions of workers are As we look back, we also
bill. already working crushingly long remember those who we have
However, in January, we had a hours and further removing rights tragically lost to this dreadful
great result for our members in to rest, limits on working hours or virus, including some of our own
Scotland, as MSPs voted through disregarding workers’ time spent members and reps, and one of our
groundbreaking legislation to give on-call endangers not only them, officials, Bipin Pitrola. They, and their
shopworkers the protection of but also puts public safety at risk contribution to our union, will not be
the law that they deserve. Usdaw – no one wants their loved ones forgotten.
campaigned for many years to to receive care from a chronically In their memory, the union will
secure these legal protections. overworked nurse or be driven work harder than ever in the year
In addition, Crimestoppers home by an exhausted bus driver. ahead, to give every member a voice
Scotland launched a joint campaign We believe this pandemic should and improve their working lives.
March/April 2021 11NETWORK | Campaign News
CAMPAIGNS
Keeping you up-to-date on Usdaw’s priorities
ABUSE OF WORKERS HITS HEADLINES
O
ver the past few
years the union has
seen an alarming
increase in the levels
of abuse and violence
towards shopworkers.
More recently, shocking
results from an Usdaw
survey carried out at the
height of the coronavirus
pandemic reveal just how
bad the situation has
become.
Throughout the
pandemic, retail workers
have been spat at,
threatened with being
infected with coronavirus
and physically assaulted
by customers while they
have been providing an and abuse in retail. Since PETITION FOR CHANGE The petition gained
essential service in very then the union has worked In light of the continued widespread media
difficult circumstances. with the public, employers, increase in violence attention in national and
Results from Usdaw’s the police, politicians and abuse towards regional news outlets
2020 survey of 2,729 and the Government shopworkers and the when it was launched
shopworkers across the to achieve safety and appalling situation they’ve in August with Usdaw
UK found that 79 per cent security improvements faced leading up to and officials, reps and
said abuse was worse in stores and raise the throughout the pandemic, members making over
during the pandemic. issues of neighbourhood Usdaw general secretary 80 appearances on TV
The survey found that: policing, retail crime and Paddy Lillis launched and radio. The petition
n 88 per cent experienced underage sales. a House of Commons secured over 100,000
verbal abuse. Usdaw continues to petition to lobby the signatures, enough
n 60 per cent were lobby the Government Government to protect to trigger a debate in
threatened by a to improve legislation to retail staff. Parliament.
customer. protect shopworkers and The union is calling In response to the
n 9 per cent were those working in public- on the Government to protect shopworkers
assaulted. facing roles, including create a specific offence petition, the influential
stiffer penalties for those of abusing, threatening or House of Commons Home
FREEDOM FROM FEAR who assault workers, assaulting a retail worker Affairs Select Committee
In 2003, Usdaw introduced but the current situation with a penalty that acts launched an inquiry into
its Freedom From Fear shows the need for the as a deterrent and makes the issue the day after
campaign in response to campaign is more pressing clear that abuse of retail the petition secured over
concerns about violence than ever. workers is unacceptable. 100,000 signatures.
12 March/April 2021Campaign News | NETWORK
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE
Some of the comments from shopworkers responding to last year’s annual survey
“Asked a customer to join the back of “I had members of the public cough on
a queue, got verbal abuse. She then me as I was stacking shelves.”
returned to the store with a knife and said
she was going cut me up.” “People pulling your mask off for being a
sheep.”
“Physically pushed, shoved, trolley
rammed during panic buying.” “My car was keyed by a customer who
was barred from the shop.”
“Trying to belittle and humiliate you.
Undermining what you are saying about “Since the pandemic I’ve had abuse
the rules.” nearly every day, even coughed on
twice.”
“Being screamed at when telling
customers we don’t have an item in The full report can be downloaded from:
stock.” www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2020
SUCCESS IN SCOTLAND assaulting, threatening, or abusing a we had a great result for our
In January, the Scottish Parliament retail worker. members in Scotland, as MSPs voted
unanimously voted for a ground- Usdaw general secretary Paddy through ground-breaking legislation
breaking new law to protect Lillis said: “Our latest survey to give shopworkers the protection
shopworkers. Usdaw campaigned results clearly show the scale of they deserve. We are now looking
for many years to secure these legal the appalling violence, threats for MPs to support key workers
protections. and abuse faced by shopworkers across the retail sector and help
In addition, Crimestoppers and demonstrate the need for a turn around the UK Government’s
Scotland launched a joint campaign ‘protection of shopworkers’ law. opposition.
to raise awareness and stop It has been a terrible year for our
abuse of shopworkers. The key members, with almost 90 per cent of
SAVE THE DATE
message is to ‘speak up 100 per shopworkers suffering abuse, two-
cent anonymously about attacks thirds threatened and nearly one
RESPECT WEEK
on shopworkers’. This joint venture in ten assaulted. We are saying
is crucial to the new law having loud and clear that enough is
WILL START ON
the desired impact by making sure enough, abuse should never be
criminals understand that assaulting part of the job.
15 NOV 2021
and abusing shopworkers is totally “The UK Government has
unacceptable. persistently opposed new
In February, 66 senior retail legislation, offering little more than
leaders wrote to the Prime Minister sympathy and objecting to the Alex
urging the UK Government to Norris protection of shopworkers bill
create a new statutory offence of in the House of Commons. However,
March/April 2021 13RETAILERS LEFT
HIGH AND DRY
T
he UK retail sector has been administration, resulting in thousands in an estimated 25,000 job losses.
impacted by the coronavirus of job losses, include Edinburgh The crisis in retail has been further
pandemic on an unprecedented Woollen Mill (which also trades as exacerbated by the rapid shift to
scale. For an industry already facing Peacocks and Jaeger), Bonmarché, online shopping, which has grown by
significant challenges the long-term Aldo, Warehouse/Oasis, Laura Ashley 46 per cent over the last 10 months.
impact will be severe. and Cath Kidston. The longer-term challenges facing the
Physical non-food retailers were At the end of last year household sector combined with the impact of
among the hardest hit and have names including Topshop, Miss the pandemic has and will continue to
been struggling under the pressure Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins be catastrophic for the high street.
of lockdowns and public health collapsed into administration, putting When shops are allowed to reopen,
restrictions, costing stores billions in 13,000 jobs at risk. As a result the retailers will face further challenges
lost sales. following day, the potential rescue bid and there are big questions about
The mass job losses announced for Debenhams fell through, putting how many high street retailers will
throughout last year highlight the a further 12,000 jobs at risk. While survive the coming months.
severity of the crisis facing the retail rescue deals were brokered for the
sector, with at least 180,000 jobs stable brands owned by Arcadia and IMPACT OF JOB LOSSES
confirmed as lost during 2020, with a Debenhams, in both cases, there was Beyond the impact on business the
staggering 16,000 store closures. zero interest from buyers to take on pandemic is taking a heavy toll on
High street names to collapse into any of their physical stores – resulting retail workers – whether they work
14 March/April 2021Campaign News | NETWORK
RETAIL RECOVERY PLAN
Usdaw’s retail recovery plan calls for the following immediate
measures:
n Extend the current business rates holiday to at least the
end of the year and fundamentally reform this outdated and
imbalanced commercial property tax.
n An online sales levy set at 1 per cent, to raise around £1.5bn that
could fund a cut in business rates of around 20 per cent.
n Extend the moratorium on shop evictions for rent arrears and
find a wider solution around unpaid rents, with contributions
from retailers, landlords and Government.
Usdaw’s full retail recovery plan:
www.usdaw.org.uk/retailrecovery
THE BUDGET to plan their recovery out of the
When the chancellor Rishi Sunak pandemic and secure jobs. Huge
delivered his Budget on 3 March issues like expensive rents and
2021, outlining the UK’s economic rates, along with unfair taxation
recovery plan to protect jobs and continue not to be addressed by the
livelihoods, there was no sustained Government.
support for those retail businesses “Demanding that businesses
most impacted by the pandemic. make a 10 per cent contribution to
The announcement of two additional the Jobs Retention Scheme in July
costs from July 2021 onwards and then 20 per cent in August is a
(capped partial business rates big cost for non-essential retailers
relief and employer contributions at a time when, even on the most
to the Job Retention Scheme) at optimistic estimates, many will
in food retail or on the high street, a time when stores have not yet have only recently reopened and
retail workers are facing extremely even reopened could become the have major losses to recoup. It
challenging times. overheads that push many non-food will encourage staff lay-offs. Also
In particular, there are serious retailers to scale back, cut jobs or expecting retail to start paying a
concerns about the impact the collapse completely. third of business rates at the start
pandemic is having on women. Usdaw general secretary Paddy of July will be a big ask, so soon after
In the case of high street retail, a Lillis said: “The short-term sticking reopening. The announcement
large proportion of workers are plasters that the chancellor of these two additional costs to
women. For example, in Arcadia announced in the Budget go retailers could be the burdens that
and Debenhams women made up nowhere near far enough. They push many out of business or to cut
80 per cent of the staff. This means don’t tackle the fundamental issues jobs.
of the 25,000 jobs lost between the that the retail industry already faced “The coronavirus pandemic has
two retailers, an estimated 20,000 before the pandemic, let alone pushed many retailers and retail
belonged to women. It is not just give retailers a fighting chance of workers to breaking point, so we
women who are bearing the brunt mounting a recovery. need immediate Government
of job losses; young and Black, “Extending furlough by six action that needs to be equally
Asian and minority-ethnic (BAME) months, short-term business rates significant”
and other vulnerable groups are reductions and one-off grants do www.usdaw.org.uk/
significantly impacted. not allow retailers the opportunity retailrecovery
March/April 2021 15NETWORK | Campaign News
A NEW DEAL FOR WORKERS
ALL WORKERS DESERVE AT LEAST £10 PER HOUR
D
uring the pandemic, millions the National Minimum Wage which least £10 per hour, an end to
of workers stepped up, in the is paid at a lower rate. Usdaw has insecure employment, respect
most difficult of circumstances, campaigned that the National Living for shopworkers and action to
to keep the country going. Workers Wage should apply to all workers – ensure that retail jobs are no longer
in retail, manufacturing, distribution, regardless of their age. underpaid and undervalued.
home delivery and funeral services “Going to work should mean a
have been working around the VALUE OF RETAIL JOBS decent standard of living for all
clock, keeping food on our tables, Usdaw general secretary Paddy workers, not least young workers.
medicines in our cupboards Lillis said: “Millions of low-paid They are more likely to be paid less
and providing a lifeline to local workers have provided essential than older colleagues, even when
communities. services to help ensure the country doing the same job.
As the National Living Wage is fed, healthy and safe through the “They also often work hours that
is uplifted in April it is worth lockdown and will continue to do so. are not guaranteed in their contract,
remembering that the increase of “Usdaw members employed in so they really need fairer and better
19p from £8.72 to £8.91 an hour our supermarkets, distribution pay alongside protection against
doesn’t meet the union’s call for £10 warehouses, food processing sites insecure work. Although reducing
per hour, the real living wage rate and home delivery operations the age that National Living wage is
of £9.50 or even the Government’s welcomed the key worker status, but paid from 25 to 23 years old is a step
previously projected rate of £9.21. that respect and appreciation must in the right direction, it needs to go
The National Living Wage was first not fade into the background when much further.
introduced in April 2016 and created this national crisis passes. “Usdaw has campaigned for years
an additional tier to the National “There needs to be lasting and to abolish youth rates. We continue
Minimum Wage. It initially applied fundamental changes to the way to campaign for a national minimum
only to those over the age of 25. society views our lowest paid wage of at least £10 per hour for all
This year it will be legally extended workers. ages and call on the Government
to 23 and 24-year-olds. Anyone “We need a new deal for the to tackle insecure employment
under the age of 23 will receive workers: a minimum wage of at contracts.”
16 March/April 2021Campaign News | NETWORK
WORKERS EXEMPT FROM REFORMS
EMPLOYEES INJURED AT WORK PROTECTED
U
sdaw welcomed the “Employees injured at work need cannot be recovered, forcing injured
Government confirming that legal representation to help ensure employees to represent themselves
the small claims limit for that those responsible are held to in a complex legal process without
employer’s liability and public account and that health and safety adequate advice and support.
liability claims will not be increased standards in the workplace are “It is absolutely the right
and will remain at £1,000. maintained. The original proposals decision to exempt workers from
The Civil Liability Act 2018 would have moved a significant the reforms, so that they can
reformed whiplash claims and the number of these cases into the continue to seek justice with proper
Government had also proposed small claims court where legal costs representation.”
changing the rules for
employer liability personal
injury cases, by doubling
the threshold for the small
claims court.
Usdaw general secretary
Paddy Lillis said: “We
welcome the Government
listening to the views of
the broad coalition that
had come together to urge
them to step back from their
proposed changes.
FUNDAMENTAL REFORM NEEDED
UNIVERSAL CREDIT MUST BE OVERHAULED
U
sdaw’s Cost of Living survey continues to be a failing project. The for the rollout of universal credit to
found that 57 per cent of fi ve-week wait period is not only be halted, to allow a full review and
workers on universal credit unnecessary but is sending people overhaul of how the Government
were struggling to pay their gas and into debt from which they struggle supports the incomes of working
electric bills and 80 per cent said to recover. people who are already struggling to
they were worried or very worried if Last year, the Trussell Trust found make ends meet. We need a proper
the Government removed the £20 that universal credit had led to a social security system that supports
weekly uplift. The cut could affect six four-fold increase in the use of food families, particularly during this
million families costing them £1,040 banks where it is rolled out. The appalling pandemic.
a year and push 200,000 children National Housing Federation has “Low-paid workers also needed
into poverty. shown that universal credit has more reassurance and support. The
Usdaw has been urging the caused three times as many people extension of the universal credit
chancellor to recommit to the £20 to get behind with their rent. £20 uplift is the least the chancellor
uplift and in the longer term and Usdaw general secretary Paddy could do, but it should have been
engage with trade unions and Lillis said: “It is unacceptable that done sooner, made permanent and
charities to fix the ongoing structural nearly six in 10 workers on universal extended to all in-work benefits.
issues with universal credit. credit are struggling to heat their “Usdaw will continue to urge the
The universal credit system homes. Government to tackle the structural
has been plagued with issues and “Usdaw has consistently called issues with universal credit.”
March/April 2021 17My Body
My toes… are the bane of my life, I could
live without them but my body can’t as
I will fall flat on my face…
My knees… they are just there…
My belly… my favourite place, but my
goodness it’s been through the wars…
My chest... constantly pounding, full
of love and anxiety…
My head… always over-thinking from
trying to please everyone...
n by Caroline Baird, Community Champion, Tesco Rutherglen
PANDEMIC POETRY
L
ast year Usdaw teamed up with How it works If you’re interested check out
the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Usdaw members have been on the these videos which RLF have
to take part in their exciting frontline of the pandemic. Since produced as taster sessions:
new Write Now project. The RLF is March last year shopworkers, www.youtube.com/
a national charity. Its work includes drivers, members in distribution, watch?v=MfRBNl2w8LA
employing professional writers manufacturing and funeral services www.youtube.com/
to teach writing skills in different continued to work tirelessly to watch?v=yVh9dY_YHQk
workplace and community settings. ensure that shelves remained
For the last two years they have stocked, medicine was available, and What will happen to my story?
been working with Usdaw’s Lifelong deliveries were made. With the writer’s permission, it may
Learning programme to offer writing Usdaw members have be published in books, newsletters
skills workshops to Usdaw members. extraordinary stories to tell of living and magazines; some sites are
The Write Now project encourages and working through Covid-19. funding anthologies so that every
members to get into writing by Write Now wants your stories – in colleague has a printed record of
asking them to reflect on their own your words – to become part of the this extraordinary time.
experiences during the pandemic national record of the momentous
and capturing them through words. events of 2020. And Usdaw wants The response so far
The aim is to create an anthology your stories too! But don’t worry – The response has been fantastic
of writings to digitally archive and you don’t have to do this on your so far with hundreds of members
print. own. Using writing exercises, games taking part.
A number of sites have signed up and short films, Write Now will help Members across the country have
to pilot the initiative including Argos members come up with ideas and submitted sad, funny and poignant
(Widnes and Acton Gate), Boots put them down on paper. These can short stories and poems about their
(Nottingham), McVities (Stockport) be anything from a few lines, to a experiences. You can read a few
and Tesco Bank (Newcastle). poem, to a short story. opposite.
18 March/April 2021Instructions for Surviving a Pandemic
Shop online.
Say hello to everyone you meet
on your walk. Take time for yourself.
Build a fairy garden with your daughter,
let your imagination run wild.
Learn about the development of language
from hieroglyphics to emojis.
Do aerobics on Zoom –
keep all the women in your gym motivated.
Watch lightning storms.
Practice the piano every day,
even if it’s out of tune.
n by Argos Sainsbury’s Widnes and Acton Gate colleagues
My Life
Yesterday I went for my first Covid jab,
I wasn’t frightened,
I didn’t have to queue,
and it didn’t hurt.
All the while wearing my face mask.
Walking home I suddenly realised,
I felt a little bit lighter.
This made me smile both inside and out.
Nobody really knew because
all the while I was wearing my face mask.
Where can I read the rest of these
stories and poems? n by Sue Sowe, Mobile Learning Representative, North West
Usdaw has collated the contributions
and has turned them into an eBook How to Survive a Pandemic
that you can access through the Dance daily to Stevie Wonder,
Usdaw website. take bubble baths, drink lots of red wine.
https://dtp.usdaw.co.uk/writenow/ Live every day as if it’s your last.
Speak to friends when you need their support.
Can I still take part? Go running in the hills.
Yes. You can take part in a number of
ways: Make sure your family are safe,
n Do the video workshops at: Watch Walthamstow FC in the Essex League,
www.usdaw.org.uk/Members/ play scrabble,
Training-Development/Online- spend time with your husband.
Learning-Resources/What-is-the- Take yourself away from it all.
RLF
n Join in one of the monthly RLF Draw more pictures,
webinars: www.usdaw.org.uk/ go for walks in the woods,
Members/Training-Development/ watch Netflix. Pray, eat cheese,
Online-Learning-Resources/ embrace the workouts.
Webinars Stay alive until you see your family again.
n You can join one of the local
sessions that the RLF are running n by all attendees at a Unionlearn event, 12 October 2020
in the divisions by speaking to your
Usdaw project worker.
March/April 2021 19NETWORK | Academy1 Class of 2015
LESSONS IN LIFE
Network speaks to the graduates from Academy1 in
2015 to find out what they’ve been up to since then
F
orty-eight activists successfully branches in the Swansea, Maesteg,
completed Academy1 in 2015, Neath and Port Talbot area. At the
with two graduates also joining beginning of this year I recently
the union’s organising staff. Network became the divisional equalities
spoke to some of the reps to find out forum co-ordinator, a role which
what they’ve been up to in the last I look forward to being able to
six years. promote equalities on behalf of our
members.
KEITH LEWIS
Area organiser, Andover CAROLINE WILLIAMSON ACADEMY1 2015 STATS:
Following Academy1 I briefl y St. Helens ■ 48 completed
returned to Tesco for Christmas. I can honestly say Academy1 was an ■ 27 still members
In 2016 I successfully applied for amazing experience and I couldn’t ■ 18 still active
■ 2 now area organisers
Academy2 but never took my place wait to apply for Academy2, which
as in the interim I was appointed as I did straight away and was lucky
area organiser in the Andover office enough to be accepted. The training digital needs.
and started the role in April 2016. was a lot harder, but my tutor was Taking part in Academy1 was
The Academy experience certainly great and always there if I was absolutely amazing and I would
gave me the confidence and self- struggling. recommend it to anyone thinking
belief to become a full-time Usdaw After the Academies I was keen about doing it. It is a great
official and I thoroughly enjoyed the to get more involved. I was lucky confidence builder but also gives
six months opportunity it gave me enough to be elected to standing you an insight into other workplaces
to meet our members and reps and orders at ADM and my divisional and other retail companies. In my
promote Usdaw in workplaces other council. Also, I am still an active experience there was absolutely no
than my own. The whole experience divisional councillor for the North downside to it.
was certainly life changing. West.
Over the last year Covid-19 has PAUL HUISH
MARTYN HALL had a massive impact on everyone. Barton-upon-Humber
Area organiser, Cardiff I transferred to a store closer to Since the Academy I have moved
Since completing Academy1 in home due to travel restrictions and to a new Tesco store and I’m now a
2015, I went on to become branch had to say goodbye to colleagues I manager. I have taken my knowledge
secretary for A108 Llanelli, and, had worked with for seven years. It and training with me and put it
completed Academy2 and summer was hard but I was supported by all to good use. I am now a Sata rep
school 2 in 2017. the skills I’ve learned through the and still very active representing
The Academy has provided union. Tesco managers. I have also found
me with invaluable experience in a passion for helping staff with long
different workplaces identifying the TRISH BALDWIN term mental health issues.
subtle and not so subtle differences Hull In 2017 I took on the role of chair
between companies, who have many I am still a union rep at Tesco. I was of my branch and I’ve also since
similar issues. also a union learning rep and in 2018 become active in my Constituency
I later became an area organiser won the Unionlearn ULR of the Year Labour Party.
at the Cardiff office, overseeing Award for supporting learners with Both academies gave me the skills
20 March/April 2021and confidence to get up and speak changed roles from team leader training officers who were running
at the last two ADMs, something I to customer services manager to the programme, and felt I would like
would never have done before. trading support manager. to give something back to the trade
A lot has happened to me in my union movement for the education
JANET HAGGIS personal life and work life since the I received, not only on the Academy
Grimsby Academy and my confidence has but for all my time as a rep.
I have been very busy since grown from strength to strength. I I decided to study for a teaching
Academy1. I completed Academy2 have made presentations at church degree and I now work part-time
and lots of periods of stand-down. and at work to big and small groups as an asssociate tutor in the Trade
I’m also now a mobile union learning and I feel that being on the Academy Union Studies department at City
rep and a lay tutor. I served three played a big part in me being able College Southampton, delivering
years on the equalities forum and to do this. The Academy has had a TUC courses for various unions.
I’m a branch secretary. positive impact in my life as it helped I praise the Academy when I am
I still work for Tesco and have me to find the strength to face good delivering Usdaw courses as I believe
been back in store for most of and bad challenges. I must add that the quality of the programme is just
the pandemic. I’ve recently been my driving skills grew tremendously brilliant. I will always be very grateful
campaigning for the EC elections thanks to the Academy as I drove for the opportunity I had to attend.
and have also appeared several around the M25 roundabouts My dream would be to return as
times on TV and radio to speak visiting stores. a training officer one day on an
about the union’s Freedom From Academy course.
Fear campaign and the abuse of TONY HAVILL
shopworkers. Southampton
I cannot believe it has been five The union’s Academy programme
is currently on hold due to the
EDNA YOUNG years since the Academy. I am still
coronavirus pandemic. Reps will
Watford a rep and really enjoy it. I went on be informed when there’s an
I am still a rep and active in the to complete Academy2, which I also update.
union. I still work for Argos but have really enjoyed. I was inspired by the
March/April 2021 21For Your Union Noticeboard
ELECTIONS 2021:
EARLY VOTING IS KEY
O
n 6 May, there will be elections taking place at the same time, this is best intentions.
taking place in England, Wales the biggest set of elections outside On top of this, there are
and Scotland. There are of a UK general election. It’s really those members who have been
elections at almost every level of important that Usdaw members are shielding or are Clinically Extremely
government, including Councils, able to take part, but for members it Vulnerable who might be concerned
London Assembly, elected Mayors, isn’t always as simple as turning up about how voting in person in a
Police and Crime Commissioners, to vote before the polls close. pandemic will work, or how it could
and Scottish and Welsh Members have told the union affect them. We haven’t faced an
Parliamentary elections. Some of that on election day they can find it election during a time like this, and
these were due to take place in difficult to get to the polling station there is a real concern that people
2020, but had to be postponed due to vote in person for a number could stay away from casting a vote
to the coronavirus pandemic. of reasons. These can include in person because they are worried
This means that, if you live in work commitments, childcare about the impact of Covid-19.
England, Wales or Scotland, you will arrangements, or sudden changes in These elections are important and
likely have more than one election plans which mean that getting to the no one should lose their vote or feel
to cast a ballot in. With so many polling station isn’t possible, despite like they can’t use it.
EARLY OR POSTAL VOTES
For these reasons, it’s a good idea to sign up for a postal But:
vote to vote early, vote safely, and vote from home. You ■ You must sign up by 5pm on Tuesday 20 April in
may see this called Early Voting. It’s the same as a postal England and Wales, and Tuesday 06 April in Scotland.
vote, and it means that you can fill in your ballot and post ■ Your postal vote needs to be with your local authority
it in before the deadline, and at a time that suits you. by 10pm on polling day to be counted.
It’s helpful to know: By signing up for a postal vote you can make sure you
■ Anyone on the electoral roll can request a postal vote. have your say in the 2021 elections.
■ You can request a postal vote without a special To check you’re registered and find out about voting by
reason. post go to: www.yourvotematters.co.uk
GET INVOLVED
TO BE A PART OF THE POLITICAL WORK OF THE UNION AND HELP ELECTED LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO
DELIVER ON THE ISSUES THAT MATTER FOR USDAW MEMBERS VISIT: WWW.USDAW.ORG.UK/POLITICSExecutive Council 2021 | NETWORK
USDAW’S NEW PRESIDENT
AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Following the union’s all-member ballot in April, who has stepped down after
in February, executive council member serving one term. She will head up the
Jane Jones was elected as Usdaw’s union’s governing body for the next
new president. Jane will take over from three years and will be joined by 15
current Usdaw president Amy Murphy executive council members.
President Jane Jones
South Wales and Western division North Eastern division North West division
Tracy Cannard Barbara Wilson Joanne Crumplin Mike Dixon Robert Bell
Eastern division Scottish division North West division
Valerie Cooke Simon Vincent Susan Donaldson Robert Killin Andy Firman
Midlands division Southern division North West division
Karl Lockley Kate MacLeod John Barstow Keith Jones Michael Murray
March/April 2021 23DRIVING THROUGH
THE PANDEMIC
U
sdaw members across should be making adjustments to n Additional sinks, provision of hand
the transport industry ensure that workers are safe. Your sanitiser and cleaning equipment
have continued to work employer must have completed for all workstations.
extraordinarily hard during the a risk assessment to look at the n Thorough and regular cleaning
Covid-19 pandemic. The logistics additional risks presented as a result of roll cages, VDUs and other
sector has been relied upon to of coronavirus. Following the risk equipment.
maintain the supply network of assessment, your employer should n Increased hours for cleaning staff.
essential goods during the crisis. be putting measures in place to n Staggered shift start times, with
People working in the industry are ensure the safety of members. How agreement, to reduce congestion.
identified as key workers given the this works will vary considerably n Staggered break times along with
importance of keeping the nation between workplaces, but some extra break rooms with adequate
going with the delivery of food and examples of measures that might be rest facilities and additional
medicine. As many high street stores taken are listed below: smoking areas to ensure social
closed and customers switched to n Restrict drivers entering transport distancing.
shopping online, delivery drivers offices.
have stepped up to the enormous n Drivers to remain in cabs while Can we have a two-person
pressure of home deliveries. unloading. operation?
Network answers some of the n Identify and regularly clean key Government guidance around
frequently asked questions from touch points eg door handles, safe working practices says that
drivers. keypads. employers should find alternative
n Take extra care wiping down solutions to two-person operations
What should my employer be vehicles before and after use. where possible. The guidance
doing to keep me safe? n Clear provisions for workers to recommends only one person
Employers have a legal duty of keep at least two metres apart at should travel in a vehicle and
care to their workforce, and all all times, in line with Government vehicles should not be shared.
workplaces which are operational guidance. Suggested ways to manage
24 March/April 2021Road Transport | NETWORK
your safety when making these Paddy Lillis launched a House of
deliveries and should be briefing you Commons petition to lobby the
on any additional measures. There Government to protect retail staff.
are also a number of steps you can The petition gathered over 100,000
take on a daily basis: signatures and will now trigger a
n Avoid all handshakes or physical debate in Parliament.
contact with anyone while on your In addition, Usdaw succeeded
delivery routes. in winning protection for Scottish
n Before getting back into your shopworkers in a new ground-
vehicle after carrying out your breaking law that would tackle
delivery, sanitise your hands growing violence, threats and abuse
thoroughly and sanitize your against retail staff. Unfortunately, the
hands regularly throughout the UK Government objected to a similar
day. bill, therefore Usdaw will continue
n Avoid touching your mouth, nose to work hard to turn around the UK
or eyes. Government’s opposition.
n Use antibacterial wipes to You can help us make a strong
wipe down your door handles, evidence-based case to the
dashboard, steering wheel and Government by filling in Usdaw’s
gear stick on a regular basis. Freedom From Fear survey.
www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/
Can I use welfare facilities at Freedom-From-Fear/Survey
depots?
Drivers are entitled to use welfare I’ve received a penalty for a
facilities, such as hand washing and traffic offence, can the union help
toilet facilities at any site they visit me with this?
to deliver haulage. Although sites As a member of Usdaw, you can join
will have stringent social distancing the Road Transport Distress Fund
measures in place, this should not for £6 per year. The fund covers
prevent drivers from using welfare members who receive work-related
two-person operations include, facilities on site. penalties for motoring offences.
suspending heavy-duty deliveries or After 13 weeks’ membership of the
using two vehicles. I was abused by a customer, what Distress Fund, you are entitled to up
Where these solutions are not should I do? to three claims per year.
possible, the guidance looks at: Unfortunately, Usdaw has seen Please note membership of the
n Fixed pairing of two people. incidents of work-related violence fund is not included in your Usdaw
n Opening windows to increase and abuse increase during the membership; you must fill in a
ventilation and sitting side-by-side pandemic. Abuse is not part of the separate application form to join
instead of face-to-face. job and drivers have a right to work the fund. If you would like to join
Usdaw maintains that unless without fear of abuse or violence. the Distress Fund, please contact
vehicles are large enough to allow If you are harassed or abused, research.enquiries@usdaw.org.uk
adequate social distancing, sharing then you should report it to your
of vehicles should cease and employer to ensure they can take Where can I get more information
alternative measures should be the appropriate action. about road transport laws and
followed as set out above. If you are regulations?
concerned about being asked to What is Usdaw doing about Usdaw has compiled a Drivers’
share a vehicle, please contact your violence against retail workers? Handbook which provides detailed
local Usdaw official. Usdaw has been campaigning on information and advice for drivers.
this issue for a number of years You can download a PDF version
How do I stay safe while making through its Freedom From Fear from the Usdaw website here:
deliveries? campaign. In light of the continued www.usdaw.org.uk/
Drivers across the sector have increase in violence and abuse drivershandbook
to make deliveries to a range of towards retail workers and the
different locations which can present appalling situation they’ve faced STAY CONNECTED
a number of hazards. Employers leading up to and throughout the Follow UsdawUnion on Facebook,
must be doing all they can to ensure pandemic, Usdaw general secretary Twitter and Instagram.
March/April 2021 25You can also read
