Enjoy Christmas – but do not be a victim of crime

Expert advice on how to stay safe at work during the Christmas shopping spree has been issued to more than 7,000 activists who represent the 320,000 members of premier retail union Usdaw.

Special information packs have been sent to reps across the UK as part of the union's Freedom From Fear campaign which aims to cut the incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers.

Deputy General Secretary John Hannett said:"Our members work harder than ever during the festive period, but so do the organised gangs of shoplifters and opportunist thieves, who try to cash in under-cover of crowded shops and while staff are over-stretched.

"We want retail companies and employees to be extra vigilant during this highly pressurised time. Incidents of violence and abuse went up last year to 20,000 and 28,000 incidents respectively. No-one should have to put up with that during their working day."

Mr Hannett also called for calm from customers as they rush to buy last minute presents.

"Our own research has also shown that every day problems like long queues, stock shortages, and crowded shops can trigger aggressive behaviour among customers who often take out their frustration on shopworkers. This is unacceptable and I appeal to the shopping public, whatever the cause of their frustration, to show respect to shopworkers."

The Freedom From Fear pack includes advice on:

• How to assess and minimise risks in the workplace.

• What to do in potentially threatening or dangerous situations.

• What you should do if you are the victim of an attack or abuse.

• How members can get involved in the Freedom From Fear campaign.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/resources/1176219569_24805.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Apr-2007 01:40:33 EST
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