Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2024

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2024 would make it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse a retail worker while they are doing their job. It defines retail worker broadly, covering people working in shops and related retail settings, including some owners, staff supplied through arrangements, and people delivering goods from retail premises. A person could be fined or jailed for up to 12 months if convicted, and the offence would cover both spoken or written abuse and behaviour carried out as a single act or over time. It matters because it is aimed at giving shop workers clearer legal protection against harassment and violence at work.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting or threatening retail workers carrying out their employment. 

Last updated 30 January 2025