Under-Age Sales
An Executive Council Statement to the 2011 ADM – Under-Age Sales explains the facts, the background, what Usdaw is asking from politicians, employers and Trading Standards, and what Reps and members can do to campaign and organise on the issue.
Download: Under-Age Sales EC Statement 2011
Date Posted: 26 April 2011
The issue of abuse and violence against shopworkers and drivers
making home deliveries is not new. Usdaw has been campaigning on
this issue for a number of years with our highly successful Freedom
From Fear Campaign. It was this campaign which highlighted to us
that 50% of abuse suffered by shopworkers is triggered by
age-related sales and asking for proof of age.
Since last year’s ADM, we have launched the Under-Age Sales
Campaign and so far we have made good progress.
First we decided to launch the under-age sales survey to find out
the extent of the abuse. The interim results are presented in this
Executive Council Statement and back up reports from reps that
refusing under-age sales or asking for ID is leading to abuse or
violence directed against shopworkers.
The Union has produced a DVD that reflects the experiences of
members and reps outlined in the returned surveys. The DVD gives
members the opportunity to talk frankly about their experiences in
their own words and is a powerful tool in helping explain the
damaging impact this can have on their lives.
This Executive Council Statement outlines Usdaw’s campaigning
approach.
We are raising the issues directly with MPs in Westminster, the
Scottish Parliament, and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies.
In Scotland ‘Think 25’ is now a legal requirement. We are also
asking for changes to make the law simpler, give shopworkers a fair
hearing if prosecutions are being considered, and redress the
balance by putting more responsibility on the under-age
buyer.
Usdaw negotiators are working with employers to look into how
companies can improve support for their staff through clearer
signage, training, better reporting processes and supporting staff
if they are caught and prosecuted.
We are also liaising with the Local Better Regulation Office and
Trading Standards to explore the possibility of a binding code of
practice to ensure test purchasing is properly carried out, is
intelligence-led and has strict rules governing the use of lying or
deception.
The Usdaw campaign is having a real impact and has been picked up
by the national press which is crucial in helping raise awareness
with the general public.
This Executive Council Statement is both a policy statement and a
campaigning tool for reps. It explains everything you need to know
about under-age sales. The facts, the background, what Usdaw is
asking from politicians, employers and Trading Standards, and what
reps and members can do to campaign and organise on the issue.
Under Age Sales EC Statement was correct at date of
publication April 2011.