One in three Asda staff have stated that they have been attacked at work, according to a new survey from the GMB union.
The survey includes reports of workers being stabbed, punched and threatened with syringes.
The poll of almost 1000 Asda workers found that staff had been spat at, suffered broken bones, hit with bottles and had death threats against them and their children.
Furthermore, 58% of respondents said they had suffered injury or illness on the job while delivery drivers said they have been chased by people in cars and been confronted by customers in the nude.
Overall 339 Asda workers (35%) told GMB they had been a victim of verbal or physical violence while doing their job.
In response Asda has stated that it had regular meetings with GMB, including ones last week, where they discuss store security.
The company claims GMB made no mention of this survey and has requested a full copy and a detailed summary of the results.
Asda stated: “Unfortunately, like all retailers we have seen an increase in violence and aggression towards our colleagues during the last few years. The safety of our colleagues is a primary concern, which is why we have invested over £30m during the last three years to upgrade the CCTV systems in stores. We have also provided colleagues with body-worn cameras, hired extra security guards in certain stores and amended store opening times when required.
“We work with all of our colleague representatives in the important area of colleague security and also back calls for violence or abuse against retail workers to be made a standalone criminal offence in all parts of the UK and hope this is a priority for any incoming Government.”
