USDAW celebrates National Retail Workers’ Day 5 July

Retail worker trade union USDAW is holding its National Retail Workers’ Day tomorrow (5 July).

The annual initiative highlights the importance of retail workers and provides the public with a “great opportunity to thank them all for the hard work they do, day in day out”, said the union.

There are 2.8 million jobs in retail, accounting for close to 10% of all jobs in the British economy, making it the biggest private sector employer in the country.

On Saturday, USDAW activists are set to host several regional events in stores and shopping centres nationwide. They plan to encourage the public to show support for shopworkers and share the message that ‘retail workers are at the heart of our communities’.

“I want to thank retail workers for the incredible role they do and invite the public to join with us on National Retail Workers’ Day,” said Paddy Lillis, USDAW general secretary.

“It is only right that retail workers are a part of this positive event and enjoy good relations with the communities they serve. This day of appreciation adds to our year-round campaigning for improved workers’ rights and negotiating with employers for better terms and conditions.”

“Retail work is 24/7, mentally and physically demanding, multi-skilled, high pressure, profit driven and target led. Retail workers have to be adaptable and dynamic, responding to rapid changes in a fast-moving consumer-driven industry. It is clear that more needs to be done to help shape the future of retail work and to ensure retail jobs provide people with the decent pay and hours they both need and deserve. In addition to decent pay and hours, staff should feel safe and valued at work.”