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 Home Campaigns Freedom From Fear Resources
Councils have a crucial role in protecting shopworkers says union
12 March 2004
Local councils must play a central role in reducing violent attacks and abuse aimed at shopworkers across the UK, a conference meeting will hear tomorrow (Saturday).
Usdaw, the premier retail union, will encourage councils to take the lead in formulating initiatives that would ultimately stem the worrying rise in attacks, threats and abuse.
There have been at least one million incidents of violence, threats or abuse aimed at UK shopworkers since 1995. One survey published in February revealed a 350 per cent rise in the number of threats of violence against shopworkers in Scotland last year. While staggering, these statistics are acknowledged as being only the tip of the iceberg. Many incidents go unreported by shopworkers who regrettably now see them as normal, everyday occurrences.
Usdaw, the UK's fifth largest trade union with over 330,000 members, has a campaign called Freedom From Fear which aims to raise awareness of this disturbing issue and seek the introduction of measures to make the retail workplace safer.
At a fringe meeting at the Labour Party Spring Conference in Manchester tomorrow, Usdaw will call on local councils to place greater emphasis on their role in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and to work with retailers on a local level. Delegates will receive campaign packs explaining how they can get involved. Chaired by Marge Carey, Usdaw President, the speakers at the fringe meeting will be:
- Hazel Blears, Home Office Minister, who has responsibility for crime reduction.
- Paul Kenny, Warrington Borough Councillor, whose local authority has achieved significant success in combating attacks and abuse aimed at shopworkers.
- Julian Mahony, Operations Manager for Corporate Security at United Co-op, who will explain how his store group is tackling the issue of violent and abusive customers.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary Elect, said: "Shopworkers deserve respect and the right to go to work without the fear of being attacked or abused by customers. Sadly, this is a common, everyday experience for many shopworkers. We are calling on local councils to work with Usdaw to address an issue that threatens every town and city in the UK."
Notes:
- Journalists are welcome to attend the fringe meeting - Saturday 13th March 2004, from 1-15pm to 2-15pm, in break-out rooms 6 and 7 of Manchester International Convention Centre.
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