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 Home Campaigns Freedom From Fear Resources
Attacked for refusing an under-age sale
19 August 2004
Shopworkers' union Usdaw renewed its call for a nationally-recognised proof of age scheme, as further evidence emerges that refusing under-age sales is a major trigger of attacks on workers.
Trade magazine Independent Retail News published research today (19th August) which reveals 52 per cent of local grocery stores were victims of crime during the last 12 months for refusing an under-age sale - a rise from 43 per cent recorded during the previous year. In most cases, this amounted to serious verbal abuse, but also included attacks and injury to workers.
This supports a survey by Usdaw, published in July 2004, of mainly supermarket workers, which showed many are bullied, spat at, physically attacked, threatened and verbally abused when they refuse to sell age-restricted products. Incidents were not confined to the workplace, with some staff being attacked when off-duty, travelling to work or making their way home.
Usdaw, the UK's biggest union for shopworkers, has a campaign called Freedom From Fear which aims to promote greater respect for shopworkers and improve safety in the retail workplace. The union continues to lobby Government for the introduction of a proof of age scheme that is recognised across the UK - giving a clear message of 'no ID, no sale'.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said: "It is a sad fact that many shopworkers go to work in fear of being attacked or abused - whether they work in a big supermarket or smaller grocery store. There is clear evidence that shopworkers are often bullied, intimidated, threatened and, in too many cases, physically attacked, when they refuse an under-age sale.
"The absence of a nationally-recognised proof of age scheme is putting shopworkers at risk. Shopworkers are rightly expected to uphold the law and refuse sales to those customers who aren't old enough - but they should not be expected to put themselves in any danger."
Notes to Editors:
- Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth largest union with over 336,000 members. It is the biggest union for shopworkers, but also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades. More details about Usdaw's Freedom From Fear campaign are available from the union's web site.
- More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
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