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Network Journal 2003 Issue 4 |
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Training video will help curb workplace abuse
Usdaw won high praise last month when a new training programme, tailored to address the problem of violence and abuse in the retail workplace, was launched in London.
David Felwick, chairman of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), unveiled the staff training video 'Trouble In Store', which offers advice on basic methods of avoiding conflict and preventing violence.
Usdaw's successful Freedom From Fear campaign against workplace violence and abuse, was involved in the production of the video.
Other contributors included several BRC members, Reliance Security Services Ltd, Royal and Sun Alliance and the British Council of Shopping Centres.
At the launch, both BRC chairman David Felwick and Bill Callaghan, chairman of the Health and Safety Commission, referred to the Freedom From Fear campaign and praised the union for its work in highlighting the problem.They said the video was an excellent example of a trade association working with a trade union and employers to address an important issue.
The BRC's 10th Retail Crime Survey, covering 2002, revealed that 16,200 shopworkers were physically attacked, 48,600 were threatened with attack and 70,000 were verbally abused.
David Felwick said: "The figures show that there is a real need for everyone in the retail community to address the problem of growing levels of violence towards our staff. This video is one of the many ways we are tackling the problem and demonstrating our commitment to creating a safe working environment."
'Trouble In Store' is part of a training package that includes a complementary training book, which enables trainers to view a scenario in the video and explore the lessons and learning points from the booklet.
Usdaw will be pressing employers to buy their own copy of the video for internal training purposes.
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