 |
Network Journal 2005 Issue 2 |
 |
Proof of age scheme is new stage in campaign
Armed robberies, violent attacks, and threatening behaviour are blighting the working lives of thousands of innocent shopworkers across the UK – that’s why Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign is as relevant now as it was three years ago.
The award winning campaign has raised awareness of this issue after a prolonged and sustained effort by Usdaw's reps and officials in every division and every retail company.
Respect for Shopworkers Day on July 13 this year will focus not only on raising public awareness, but on calling for support for staff who deal with attempted underage sales.
Usdaw's research shows that youngsters attempting to buy alcohol and cigarettes create some of the biggest problems for shop staff who suffer abuse, intimidation and even violence as a result. Surveys of small stores show that over half of retailers have suffered violence for refusing a sale due to age, and that verbal abuse is used in up to 90 per cent of refused sales.
In spite of the intimidation and violence, it is shop staff who are prosecuted if they make an under-age sale. Increasing numbers of Usdaw's members are subjected to trading standards 'stings' where teenagers are recruited to make test purchases.
Usdaw believes the government should do more to support staff by introducing a national Proof of Age scheme and promoting the need for 'No ID, no sale'.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
