Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2025

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2025 would make it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse a retail worker while they are doing their job. It defines retail workers broadly to include shop staff, owners, some agency workers and people delivering goods from retail premises. A person would have to know, or reasonably be expected to know, that the victim was a retail worker and at work for the offence to apply, and threatening or abusive behaviour would have to be meant to cause fear or alarm, or be reckless about doing so. A conviction could bring up to 12 months in prison and a fine, making the measure significant because it aims to give shop workers stronger protection from workplace abuse and violence.

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 14 August 2025