Union calls for more respect for shopworkers

Escalating levels of violence and abuse suffered by shopworkers across the UK is ruining too many lives, trade union Usdaw said today. The effects and scale of the problem will be highlighted during an Usdaw-organised Respect for Shopworkers Week (5th July to 11th July 2004).

A survey by the Co-op, published today (embargoed to 5pm), reveals violence and abuse in its stores has risen dramatically. On 5th July, to launch Respect for Shopworkers Week Usdaw will publish the results of its own national and regional survey into violence and abuse suffered by workers in stores owned by several of the UK's biggest retail companies.

Commenting on the Co-op's own annual crime survey, which shows a nine per cent rise in violence against its staff and a 79 per cent rise in verbal abuse, Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett said: "Too many shopworkers go to work in fear of being a victim of violence, threats or abuse. This is why we are organising Respect for Shopworkers Week from 5th to 11th July.

"Usdaw campaigns to promote greater safety in retail workplaces and to gain greater respect for shopworkers. One in 10 of all workers is employed in the retail sector. Shopworkers have a crucial role in local communities and are pivotal to the success of local economies, yet it is a sad fact that a shopworker is attacked, abused or threatened every minute of the working day.

"Usdaw members, officials, supporters and MPs will be taking part in events in towns and cities across the UK next week. I urge the shopping public to show their support and give shopworkers respect."

More details about Respect for Shopworkers Week can be found at the Freedom From Fear campaign section on the Usdaw web site.

Notes to Editors:

• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 330,000 members. Usdaw is the biggest union for shopworkers.

• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

• Usdaw's survey into violence, threats and abuse suffered by shopworkers will be published on 5th July. Copies can be made available to journalists in advance, on the understanding that it is embargoed and not for use before 5th July. Contact Usdaw's media team on 0161 249 2442/43/44 or by e-mail to the Media and Communications department

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