Abuse toward retail staff has skyrocketed in Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic, new government data has revealed.
Verbal abuse, threats and violence has intensified by almost 80 per cent in some suburbs of Sydney during the last financial year, according to data collected by the McKell Institute from Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The research suggests that the abuse has been the worst in areas in south-western Sydney such as Campbelltown, which were under the strictest lockdown laws in the country, adding immense pressure to communities.
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Stalking, harassment and intimidation at retail and wholesale outlets rose by 24 per cent in Fairfield, 44 per cent in the CBD and up to 78 per cent in Campbelltown, according to the data.
Bernie Smith, NSW Secretary of the SDA, the union for retail, fast food and warehouse workers said the new figures were alarming.
"These increases are as alarming as they are predictable, especially as shops prepare to re-open and face a rapid influx of shoppers," Mr Smith said.
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"As the retail sector prepares for a burst of pent-up activity heading into the festive season, these figures show that retail workers have genuine reason to fear that 'vaccine passports' and QR codes could prove a flashpoint for customer abuse as retail reopens.
"The SDA is now engaged in ongoing discussions with the government on the need for improved protections for shop workers, including specific provisions in Public Health Orders and in legislation for increased penalties for threatening, abusing, intimidating or assaulting retail employees."
Mr Smith said that is it not the responsibility of retail to workers to ensure that public health orders are complied with and warned that staff will face major challenges in weeks to come after the state opening up.
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"It is not the responsibility of retail workers as restrictions are lifted to enforce shopper compliance with government regulations and requirements," he said.
"Enforcement is the responsibility of government which imposed them and employers.
"As the economy opens up and we head toward the Christmas shopping crush we need to respect and protect these essential retail workers.
"No one deserves a serve."
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