Trade Union
This coverage examines trade union activity and its impact on the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights industrial action, wage negotiations, working conditions disputes, and agreements between unions and employers. Designed for professionals overseeing workforce relations, HR policy, and operational planning in response to labour movements and employee advocacy.
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Jun- 2020 -19 JuneClothing & Shoes
92% of shopworkers oppose longer Sunday working hours, says Usdaw
Some 92% of retail staff in England have opposed large shops opening for more than six hours on a Sunday, as the government considers deregulating Sunday trading. According to a survey by shopworkers trade union Usdaw, 66% of the 11,000 retail staff said they feel they are pressured to work…
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May- 2020 -26 MayCoronavirus
Non-essential retailers set to open in June
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are “Covid-19 secure” and can show customers will be kept safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. All non-essential retailers including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics,…
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18 MayCoronavirus
Central England Co-op reports rise in ‘violent’ threats to staff during lockdown
Central England Co-op has reported a rise in “violent” offences being carried out against its staff amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The company reported problems which include verbal abuse and threats, alongside customers threatening to cough and spit on employees. Figures for the past four weeks have revealed an increase in…
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11 MayTips
The Impact of COVID-19 on Garment Workers – What to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic shift to our daily and professional lives, leaving no one unaffected. Many businesses have taken a stepback and many jobs were lost, with the clothing industry taking much of the hit. Garment factories have been forced to shut their doors and temporarily…
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Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: 70% of shopworkers are experiencing anxiety, says Udsaw
Shopworkers trade union Usdaw has released statistics revealing 70% of shop workers are experiencing anxiety and have raised concerns with their employers amid the Covid-19 crisis. The statistics revealed that 39% of the 7,357 members surveyed, primarily essential workers in shops, distribution warehouses, road transport or work as delivery drivers…
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27 AprilCoronavirus
BRC issues new guidance on re-opening stores
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued new guidance for shops regarding procedures to maintain when businesses re-open following the lockdown. The BRC, alongside trade union Usdaw, said that whilst it is “not clear” when non-food businesses will re-open for business, retailers “need to be ready”. It warned it is…
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23 AprilCoronavirus
One in six shopworkers abused daily during pandemic, says Usdaw
Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has released statistics revealing one in six shop workers have suffered abuse on every shift, during the coronavirus pandemic. The statistics revealed 62% of the 4,928 shopworkers surveyed have experienced verbal abuse, with almost a third being threatened by a customer. Usdaw also revealed 4% of…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchHigh Street
Poundland to temporarily close 32 UK stores amid Covid-19 outbreak
Discount retailer Poundland has announced the temporary closure of 32 of its stores amid the Covid-19 virus outbreak, resulting in staff receiving 80% of their average earnings due to the government’s Jobs Retention Scheme. Shop workers’ trade union Usdaw said the retailer is asking employees to voluntarily agree to be…
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Feb- 2020 -17 FebruaryHigh Street
West country vacancy rates hits double-digits in 2020
The west country has seen the largest increase in retail vacancy rates in the UK, rising from 9.6% in 2016 to 11.2% in 2020, according to new data from Usdaw. The trade union said in the past decade the number of people visiting high streets in the west country dropped…
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Jan- 2020 -13 JanuarySupermarkets
Asda cost cuts to put 2,832 back-office jobs at risk
Nearly 3,000 Asda employees are reportedly at risk of losing their jobs, according to new reports. According to The Guardian, 2,832 back-office jobs may potentially be at risk in the latest cost-cutting move from the supermarket giant. The newspaper claims to have learned that consultations are afoot with employees in…
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