Over 20 North West shop workers assaulted at work every day

SHOP Workers Trade Union leader John Hannett has released survey results which show that last year, on average, 20 shop workers were assaulted every day in the North West. The survey also reveals that 31% of shop workers were threatened by customers and over ½ were verbally abused.  John Hannett; Usdaw General Secretary says:- "Our survey shows that life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shop workers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. So we welcome Labour's manifesto commitment to ensure staff who work with the public are given greater protection, with tougher penalties for those who assault them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail workers about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with retailers to promote respect and make workplaces safer for staff and customers alike.  All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, and those who are can receive derisory sentences. In other cases, where the offender often isn't charged at all victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were assaulted. Retail crime remains too high and there needs to be action to protect shop workers. On four occasions in the current Parliament, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs combined to defeat Labour amendments to legislation that would have provided stiffer penalties for those who assault shop workers.  It is time for the Government to act and the record shows that a Labour Government will deliver. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected."

Yvette Cooper – Shadow Home Secretary says:- "I'm a big supporter of Usdaw's Freedom From Fear campaign, raising awareness and ways to make people feel safer at work. I can assure everyone that a Labour Government will make sure staff working with the public get greater protection from attacks, with tougher penalties for criminals.Labour proposed this measure in the last Parliament on four occasions, but Conservative and Lib Dem MPs voted against us. So the choice is clear, for workers to get additional protection from violence, threats and abuse at work they will need to vote Labour."

Fancy a cuppa? Children's charity launches 'Tea with a twist!'

CHILDREN'S charity Action Medical Research is again calling on residents and businesses in Merseyside to enjoy a cuppa as part of its annual fundraising Cream Teas in a Box campaign.

Wonderfully scrumptious and refreshing British cream teas will be delivered directly to workplaces, schools and colleges on Thursday, 18 June 2015.

This year, the perfect afternoon pick me up (which comes in a box priced just £6) will contain 2 freshly baked scones, 2 small jars of strawberry jam, Rodda's Cornish clotted cream, and 3 strawberry crème chocolates, as well as the more traditional Yorkshire Tea, knife and serviette.

Tracey Edwards, Action's Cream Tea Events Manager, says:- "Come on Merseyside, take a break! Place the minimum order of 10 to bond over a brew with friends and colleagues and help raise funds for sick babies and children. The choice of scone topping is yours – jam and/or cream, or maybe have 'tea with a twist' and choose banana and chocolate sprinkles!"

The charity's mascot, Paddington Bear™, likes his scones piled high with marmalade, Dr Dawn Harper, from Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies, likes hers with more 'real strawberry' than jam and BBC Correspondent Katie Adie likes a 'classic' (with jam either on top or underneath).

Celebrity chef Lesley Waters is once again supporting the Action Cream Teas. Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley is also a former head tutor of Leith's School of Food & Wine, author of several cookery books and runs her own cookery school. Lesley's 'twist' is that she's often partial to a savoury scone with cheese and her home made tamarind, pear and date chutney.  She says:- "I'm delighted to be supporting Action Medical Research's Cream Teas because, quite simply, they taste delicious. Traditional fare for a perfect afternoon; splendid! Just put the kettle on, relax, have a chat and help raise vital funds for the children's charity."

To get it, you must order online by 5 June 2015.

Did you know that:-

Research is the key to saving many children from a lifetime of suffering, yet surprisingly, medical research into conditions that devastate children's lives is poorly funded? Action Medical Research is currently funding work around stillbirth, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy and brain cancer, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.

Public welcome at Trust board meeting

SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will hold its next board meeting on 29 April 2015 at 9am.   The meeting will be held in the Clinical Education Centre at Southport and Formby District General Hospital. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the meeting. Anyone with a special requirement should contact the Trust in advance on:- 01704 704783. The agenda will be available on the Trust website in advance of the meeting. Supporting papers will be made available on the day.

 West Lancashire Light Railway Teddy Bears' Outing 2015

THE West Lancashire Light Railway (WLLR) will be holding its annual:- 'Teddy Bears' Outing on Sunday, 3 May 2015, from 11.30am to 4.30pm, at the Station, located on Station Road, Hesketh Bank (PR4 6SP).  This privately owned railway is a short 2' gauge line, situated at Hesketh Bank, midway between Preston and Southport. Motive power includes four historic steam locomotives, with others undergoing and awaiting restoration, and a remarkable collection of internal combustion industrial locomotives. The line runs above a former clay pit which served a brickworks adjacent to the old West Lancashire Railway. The WLLR have told us that:- "If you ride on our train to the woods with us, you're sure of a big surprise........... We will be having a 'Bring a bear – travel half fare'.  On offer will be not 1, but 2 locomotives in full steam... Also please keep an eye out for the teddy bear trainspotters!  Plus we have other attractions to view, including model railways..." Admission to this event will be free, but to ride the train you must get a ticket that costs:-  Adult £4, Child £3, Senior £3.50 and Family £10.50. T&C apply.  Half price for all persons accompanied by a bear.  If you arrive by car, the WLLR have free car parking on site.  Also the No. 2 National Express, Preston to Southport and the Southport to Preston bus both passes the entrance to the Railway, near Booths.