Thank you to all those who have contacted me about protection for NHS staff and retail workers.
It is utterly reprehensible that anyone working in the health service or in the retail sector should suffer abuse from members of the public. They have worked bravely and tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic to look after our loved ones and keep our economy running. They deserve our support.
The NHS has recently launched a new programme to tackle violence. This includes working with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to secure swift prosecutions, provide better training for staff to deal with violence and ensure prompt mental health support for staff who have been victims of violence.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also investing up to £2 million a year to reduce violence, bullying and harassment for staff and a further £8 million will be invested by 2023/24 to pilot the use of body cameras. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will also double the maximum penalty for assaulting an emergency worker from 12 months to two years.
Following the call for evidence assessing the scale of the issue affecting those in the retail sector, the Government is working with the National Retail Crime Steering Group to understand the factors behind violence against retail workers, support better recording of crimes and provide support to victims.
The Sentencing Council has also produced guidelines that refer to retail workers as holding an important public service position. The courts should be increasing sentences and finding aggravating factors in cases where shop workers are the victims of crime.
Nobody should be in fear of going to work and suffer abuse, whatever their role.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
