Trade Union
Trade unions play a pivotal role in representing workers across the jewellery industry, from manufacturing and bench work to retail and distribution. At Jewellery Focus, we report on union activity that affects the sector — including industrial disputes, collective bargaining developments, wage negotiations, workplace safety campaigns, and regulatory changes involving employment rights. Our coverage helps business owners, HR professionals, and operational leaders understand the implications of union actions on staffing, compliance, and day-to-day operations, ensuring they remain responsive to workforce concerns and aligned with evolving labour standards.
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Jun- 2020 -23 JuneRetailers
Government rethink on longer Sunday trading welcomed by Usdaw
Shopworkers trade union Usdaw has welcomed reports that the government will not be pressing ahead with plans to deregulate Sunday trading hours having listened to the arguments. The news comes as Usdaw titled government plans for Sunday trading deregulation as a “slap in the face” for key workers and calls…
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19 JuneRetailers
92% of shopworkers oppose longer Sunday working hours, says Usdaw
Some 92% of retail staff in England have opposed large shops opening for more than six hours on a Sunday, as the government considers deregulating Sunday trading. According to a survey by shopworkers trade union Usdaw, 66% of the 11,000 retail staff said they feel they are pressured to work…
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1 JuneRetailers
Usdaw calls on government to respond to crime report
Retail trade union Usdaw has called on the government to respond to a new report which highlights the cost to business and staff of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. The ‘Retail violence: abused and attacked at work’ report by broadcast journalist Jamie Long highlights the 9% increase in violence…
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May- 2020 -26 MayCoronavirus
Non-essential retailers set to open in June
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are “Covid-19 secure” and can show customers will be kept safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. All non-essential retailers including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics,…
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20 MayRetailers
Chisholm Hunter launches campaign to support Mental Health Awareness Week
Jewellery retailer Chisholm Hunter has launched a social media campaign to support Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May). In an Instagram post, the retailer revealed it will be sharing positive posts to help its followers who may be suffering from mental health conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The post said:…
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14 MayCoronavirus
Usdaw welcomes scrutiny of the Protection of Workers as it calls for the bill to progress
Shop workers trade union Usdaw has welcomed further scrutiny of the Protection of Workers (retail and age-restricted goods and services) (Scotland) Bill (Scotland) at the economy, energy and fair work committee meeting. Usdaw calls for the bill to complete stage one and progress to stage two of the legislative process,…
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12 MayCoronavirus
Safety first is the only way lockdown measures can be eased, says Usdaw
Trade union Usdaw has responded to the prime minister’s statement by urging a safety first approach to easing lockdown measures. The union cautions non-food retailers not to open until they can guarantee staff and customer safety and urges them to adopt the joint advice agreed with the British Retail Consortium…
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Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: 70% of shopworkers are experiencing anxiety, says Udsaw
Shopworkers trade union Usdaw has released statistics revealing 70% of shop workers are experiencing anxiety and have raised concerns with their employers amid the Covid-19 crisis. The statistics revealed that 39% of the 7,357 members surveyed, primarily essential workers in shops, distribution warehouses, road transport or work as delivery drivers…
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27 AprilCoronavirus
BRC issues new guidance on re-opening stores
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued new guidance for shops regarding procedures to maintain when businesses re-open following the lockdown. The BRC, alongside trade union Usdaw, said that whilst it is “not clear” when non-food businesses will re-open for business, retailers “need to be ready”. It warned it is…
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23 AprilRetailers
One in six shopworkers abused daily during pandemic, says Usdaw
Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has released statistics revealing one in six shop workers have suffered abuse on every shift, during the coronavirus pandemic. The statistics revealed 62% of the 4,928 shopworkers surveyed have experienced verbal abuse, with almost a third being threatened by a customer. Usdaw also revealed 4% of employees were…
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