Fitzpatrick introduces Bill to protect retail workers amid rising crime

Senator Mary Fitzpatrick will today introduce the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, a Bill aimed at amending the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment.

 

"Retail workers across Ireland are on the front line every day, yet they are increasingly subjected to theft, abuse, harassment, and violent attacks. It is unacceptable that these workers, who provide essential services in every community, are not afforded specific legal protections. The Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025 will recognise the risks they face and ensure that those who threaten or harm retail staff are held to account."

 

The move comes amid a concerning rise in retail crime nationwide. Recent statistics show a 12% increase in theft and related offences over the past year, with almost half of that increase linked to shop thefts. Ireland now has the highest cost per capita for retail crime in the world, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer. The total cost of retail crime is estimated to be a staggering €1.62 billion annually.

 

Senator Fitzpatrick, who was nominated to contest the Seanad election by RGDATA—the body representing over 3,500 independent food retailers—highlighted the urgent need for action, "I have listened closely to retailers and to organisations like RGDATA who have made it clear that we need stronger laws, tougher penalties, and better supports for retail workers. I have met with retailers on the ground and with the Minister for Justice to push for real solutions. Retail crime is not just about financial loss, it's about the emotional and physical impact on staff who deserve to feel safe at work."

 

The challenges faced by retail workers are stark:

The financial impact is also severe, with the average cost to each RGDATA-represented store exceeding €40,000 annually. Meanwhile, safety concerns are growing, with 78% of Mandate trade union members believing that their employer does not provide adequate safety measures. Fitzpatrick stressed that stronger legal protections are just one part of the response needed.

 

"We need to send a clear message that attacking a retail worker is not a minor offence - it is a serious crime. But we also need greater Garda visibility in retail areas, stronger employer supports, and a cultural shift to recognise and respect the vital role retail workers play in our communities."

 

-ENDS-