Retail report reveals 400% increase in customer abuse
With Premier Daniel Andrews banning companies from helping Melburnians with their gardening and maintenance during stage four lockdown, Jim’s Mowing boss has made a staggering offer to employees so they can keep on working.
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The owner of Jim’s Mowing is offering to pay franchisee and staff fines if they keep working during Melbourne’s stage four lockdown, as other sectors scramble to establish whether they are able to still work.
Jim’s Mowing owner Jim Penman has offered to cover fines handed to his employees or franchisees, arguing that gardening and maintenance should be allowed, despite Premier Daniel Andrews saying it is not.
“I’ve had legal advice where there is clear written approval that trumps a verbal statement from a government Minister,” said Mr Penman.
“Despite what the Premier says, the written guidelines (from the Department of Health and Human Sevices) are clear we can operate.
“We do a lot of work for the NDIS, elderly people, gutter cleaning, picking up branches and leaves off paths which can be a significant health hazard. If they do it safely, it’s legal for them to work.”
In a letter to his franchisees he wrote: “I urge you to continue working and will take personal responsibility for any problems that arise. In the very unlikely event that fines are imposed, Jim’s Group will challenge and (if necessary) pay them.”
It comes after Mr Andrews said on Monday: “There’ll be no one mowing your lawns.”
Telcos including Telstra and Vodafone are not expected to receive clarification from the Victorian government until later on Wednesday as to whether their retail arms can remain open to customers.
Vodafone chief customer officer Ana Bordeianu said telco retail stores were vital for SIM cards, handsets and technical support, especially for vulnerable and elderly customers and those in family violence situations.
“Together with the rest of the industry, we’re working with the Victorian government to understand what stage four business restrictions will mean for telco retail stores,” she said.
Myer and David Jones will close their shops at the end of trade on Wednesday, but Myer will offer click-and-collect from booths outside key stores, while David Jones will only offer online sales only with contactless delivery.
It comes as retailers have reported up to a 400 per cent increase in aggression and abuse following customer anger at retail restrictions.
The National Retailers Association reports Australia’s 1.5 million retail workers, who have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, face increased abuse and stress.
Association boss Dominique Lamb said stores had hired security and crowd controllers to enforce social distancing, while over 85 per cent of workers said they had endured verbal or physical abuse while trying to prevent crime.
“Feedback from our members is that they are suffering high levels of stress and anxiety leading to mental health issues, and an increase in poor lifestyle choices such as smoking,” she said
Annie Bramble and Jack McDavitt, workers at Rozzi’s cafe at Chadstone, said they had experienced aggressive and angry customer behaviour in recent months.
“Every workplace gets customers that are cranky or intimidating, but with the extra pressure at the moment people are a bit more aggressive and rude,” Ms Bramble said.
ESSENTIAL WORKERS TO CARRY PERMIT