Paddy Lillis

Aug 11, 2024 | thetimes.com | Simon Roberts |Paddy Lillis

Employing more than three million people, retail is the lifeblood of our communities. As retail business and union leaders, we don’t always agree on everything, but on this we do: the No 1 barrier to growth in our industry is the outmoded business rates system. Retail has been transformed over the past ten years, with online sales tripling to 27 per cent of total retail sales last year. But the business rates system is unchanged, reflecting an era when virtually all shopping was done in stores.

Jun 8, 2024 | themobiworld.com | Paddy Lillis

Labour's manifesto will pledge laws to crack down on violence against shop staff, says Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Ms Cooper said the party would take action to end the tide of aggression – and vowed to stop police ignoring thefts valued at under £200. Speaking to staff at a Co-op store, Ms Cooper heard harrowing tales of staff threatened with hammers and knives, and being sprayed with petrol. She said: “It’s a disgrace shop workers have to endure this at work.

May 1, 2024 | usdaw.org.uk | Paddy Lillis

You are here: Home About Us All News April Violence against shopworkers grows in an epidemic of retail crime Date: 01 May 2024 By Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary Violence against shopworkers has more than doubled in a year, according to Usdaw’s latest annual survey, as official figures show that shoplifting has risen by over a third. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers. Having to deal with...

Apr 30, 2024 | usdaw.org.uk | Paddy Lillis

You are here: Home About Us All News April The only way to secure real change is to vote for a Labour Government Date: 30 April 2024 By Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary Usdaw is involved in politics because it is a crucial part of improving members’ lives. The real issues affecting our members’ lives are at the core of our campaigns around which we organise. Industrial organising provides the foundation upon which we negotiate with employers and represent our members’ interests in the...

Apr 30, 2024 | britsafe.org | Mike Robinson FCA |Paddy Lillis |Phil Newton

Many people were stunned, and surprised, by the sheer scale of funding announced both by the UK and the US recently on future defence. A full £79 billion was promised by Rishi Sunak in the UK alone. While the need to re-build our defences is clearly an inevitable consequence of real-world events, the UK Government has come under fire from those who say this isn’t entirely new money. Whether or not it is misses the point.