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 Home Campaigns Freedom From Fear Resources
Home Secretary David Blunkett joins Usdaw’s National Respect for Shopworkers Day
15 September 2003
Premier retail union Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign received a massive boost today when Home Office Minister The Rt Hon David Blunkett MP announced his intention to join the London launch of the first National Respect for Shopworkers Day on Wednesday September 17.
The Minister will join Usdaw's leaders Sir Bill Connor and John Hannett, along with Co-op Group Chief Executive Martin Beaumont, at the Co-op Welcome store in Camberwell Road on Wednesday at 10am.
David Blunkett said: "It is unacceptable that thousands of shopworkers are assaulted every year. Any initiative which aims to improve the safety of retail staff and the shopping public is worthy of the Government's support.
"I welcome the National Respect for Shopworkers Day. It rightly reminds all of us that retail staff serve an important role in the community and deserve our respect. The retail sector has a critical role in the UK's economy, employing around 2.7 million people and generating billions of pounds worth of business. Its success and the safety of its workforce go hand in hand."
"This is a great boost for our campaign," said deputy general secretary John Hannett. "We want to work with the Government, employers, local authorities and the police to improve safety in the stores."
Timetable for the London Launch as follows:
| 10am |
Unveiling of a special plaque, one of more than 3,000 UK-wide - stating that violence and abuse will not be tolerated - at the Co-op Welcome store, Camberwell New Road, London, SE5, by Usdaw's Sir Bill Connor and John Hannett with Martin Beaumont Chief Executive Co-op Group, Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, and five victims of violence and abuse (see below for more details). |
| 1.30pm |
Lobby of MPs at the Cabinet War Rooms, Westminster. Including the launch of a specially commissioned campaign theme tune. |
| 4pm |
Meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street. |
David Valentine (Co-op Roehampton), Sharon King (Oxford & Swindon Co-op), Colin Marriott (Tesco, Brixton), Jacqui Clarke (Sainsbury, Bath), and Alan Platt (Kwik Save, Castleford) are all victims of either violence or abuse, and will be available for interview during the day. Contact details for the five are available from the Media and Communications office.
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