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
˝ 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."
