Usdaw and Tesco join forces to combat store abuse

Retail union Usdaw and Tesco have joined forces to combat abusive shoppers by placing posters in every store warning abusive customers that staff have the right to work in a safe environment.

Tesco Chief Executive Sir Terry Leahy has agreed that the posters will be prominently displayed behind the customer service desk reminding customers that violent or abusive behaviour is not tolerated in our stores.

Usdaw is working with Tesco to launch this initiative as part of their Freedom From Fear campaign that has helped reduce retail assaults and abuse over the last four years.

Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett joined Sir Terry Leahy at a Tesco Extra store in Greater Manchester to launch the national campaign with in-store union reps.

"We're delighted that Tesco and Usdaw have worked together to develop these posters designed to remind a small minority of customers that their abusive behaviour will not be tolerated," says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. "The notices behind customer service desks remind customers that Tesco provides a safe environment for staff and customers so any physical assaults or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

"The fact that Tesco's Chief Executive and Usdaw's General Secretary have come together to launch this initiative shows the battle to stamp out abuse aimed at hard working staff is being taken seriously from the top down.

"Retailers like Tesco working with Usdaw have already done a huge amount in reducing the abuse of shop staff but the sad fact remains that 95% of our members report they have been verbally abused in their careers which shows we still have work to do.

"But there's no doubt these highly visible posters will help remind shoppers that stores should be safe places to shop and work which I believe will play a significant role in creating safer working environments for Tesco employees across the UK."

For more information on our Freedom From Fear Campaign visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw's Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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