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Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 3 Summer Arena |
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Your safety matters
Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign aims to keep retail staff free from violence and abuse and improve safety.
A violent thief left part-time shop assistant Maria Thompson terrified and traumatised after an attempted robbery at her Safeway store in Portswood, Southampton.
The robber threatened to kill the 36 year-old mother-of-one as he tried to grab cash from the till. "It was a terrible ordeal," said Maria. "He said he knew where I lived and would find me and kill me. It was very, very frightening."
After the robber fled, the police were called and Maria gave them a statement. She was also advised to contact the union. This turned out to be very sound advice.
"The union's legal department was fantastic. They were with me every step of the way and helped me put in a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, the CICA.
"This was initially rejected but Usdaw then prepared and lodged an appeal on my behalf. To my delight we won and I was awarded £8,200. It was a fantastic victory; with Usdaw's help justice was done.
"Every shop worker should join the union," said Maria. "We're on the front line every working day of our lives having to deal with abusive and sometimes violent customers. The only way we can help to improve security and safety in the workplace is with the union's backing and support.
"I don't want anyone to have to go through the terrible ordeal I experienced."
Did you know?
- A shopworker is verbally abused, threatened, or attacked every minute of every working day.
- The Retail Crime Survey for 2004 revealed the worst figures for over a decade showing physical violence against shopworkers was up by an alarming 14 per cent from 2003 and verbal abuse rose by a staggering 35 per cent.
- Usdaw's award winning Freedom From Fear campaign was launched in October 2002.
- Usdaw's national petition calling on the government to improve safety for retail staff was signed by more than 100,000 people and presented to 10 Downing Street in July 2003.
- Usdaw has produced a range of campaign materials packed with information on how to get involved in the campaign and how to make your workplace safer.
- Usdaw's annual Respect for Shopworkers Day takes place on 12th July 2006. This highly successful event is now in its third year and has attracted widespread support from members. For more information contact your local rep or office or call 0845 6060640 or visit the Usdaw web site.
- Usdaw's 'No ID, No Sale' campaign supports the introduction of a compulsory proof of age scheme to prevent under-age sales - often a flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers.
For more information visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/
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