A survey of more than 1,200 members of the Mandate trade union in the bar and retail trades shows that nearly two-thirds of them have suffered verbal abuse in the course of their work.
Over a quarter of respondents said they have received threats to their physical safety, while more than 11% said they had experienced assault in their role as bar and retail workers, according to the research.
Mandate said that the situation for Irish bar and retail staff is very similar to that of their counterparts in Scotland, except the government there has decided to act to provide stronger legal protections for such worker.
"In 2021, the Scottish government recognised that bar and retail workers needed additional legal safeguards to protect them from the appalling abuse that so many face in their workplaces," Mandate's Assistant General Secretary Jim Fuery said.
"Recent Police Scotland management information shows that in the period since the law was enacted, the number of prosecutions of threatening and abusive behaviour has increased by 37% and there has been a 36% increase in the prosecution of common assault offences.
"This data proves that the creation of specific offences in relation to bar and retail workers has helped to secure stronger criminal justice outcomes compared to the situation before the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Act came into effect," Mr Fuery added.
The results of the survey will be presented by Mandate to the Minister of State with responsibility for retail Alan Dillon.
The union said it will also be asking the Government to support the Protection of Retail Workers’ Bill which has been introduced by Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick.
The legislation is aimed at amending the Criminal Justice Act to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment.
