Blunkett to address union in Blackpool

Home Secretary David Blunkett will address the biggest event in leading retail union Usdaw's calendar, ensuring high prominence to key issues of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Already a high-profile supporter of Freedom From Fear, the Usdaw campaign against violence and abuse towards shopworkers, the Home Secretary's attendance at the union's annual delegate meeting means this important issue remains in the spotlight.

According to industry figures, there have been more than one million incidents of physical attacks, threats and abuse aimed at UK shopworkers since 1995. While staggering, these figures are only the tip of the iceberg as most incidents are not recorded. Freedom From Fear gives victims of violence and abuse an avenue through which they can highlight this issue.

At the annual delegate meeting (ADM), Usdaw will unveil its Freedom From Fear campaign plans for 2004.

More than 1,300 delegates will attend Usdaw's ADM at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, from 25th to 28th April 2004. David Blunkett addresses delegates on Tuesday 27th April.

Employment Relations Minister Gerry Sutcliffe is to speak on the opening day (Sunday) during a debate on Information and Consultation Regulations, due to be introduced in 2005. This legislation is described by Sir Bill Connor, Usdaw General Secretary, as "potentially the most significant piece of employment legislation to be introduced in the UK in modern times."

The regulations will give almost all UK employees the right to be informed and consulted systematically through elected representatives on matters affecting their contracts, jobs, future employment and prospects for their company. Rita Donaghy, Chair of ACAS, and Keith Sisson, ACAS Head of Strategy Development, also address ADM during this debate.

Other subjects for debate during the packed four-day agenda include transport, education, health and safety at work, pensions, wages and working conditions.

Notes to Editors

• Journalists planning to attend Usdaw's ADM must contact the media and communications department on the number listed below to arrange for press passes.

• Usdaw is the UK's fifth largest union, with over 330,000 members. Most members work in retail, but the union does have members in transport, distribution, home shopping, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and other trades.

• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

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