MP JOINS FORCES WITH TESCO AND USDAW TO HIGHTLIGHT VIOLENCE AGAINST SHOPWORKERS

TO HIGHLIGHT the campaign being run jointly by USDAW and Tesco to highlight the dangers staff face on a daily basis, local MP Angela Smith paid a visit to staff at Tesco’s express store in Chapeltown recently.

Shocking retail industry research reveals that every minute of the working day a shopworker somewhere is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked. Usdaw's ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign aims to raise awareness of this disturbing problem, promote respect for shopworkers and improve safety in retail workplaces.

Retail union Usdaw and Tesco have joined forces to combat abusive shoppers by placing posters in every store warning abusive customers that staff have the right to work in a safe environment.

While at the store Ms Smith spoke to managers, shop workers, and union officials about the steps they are taking to combat the problem. She was informed about the close relationships the store has formed with the local police and other institutions to try and deal with the problem.

She was further told that while Tesco, working with Usdaw, have already done a huge amount in reducing the abuse of shop staff the sad fact remains that 95% of their members report having been verbally abused while at work, which shows there is still a lot to do.

Commenting on her visit MS Smith said, “It gave me great pleasure to go to one of our local stores and highlight this joint campaign by Tesco and Usdaw. No one should face abuse, whether physical or verbal, while working.

I welcome the steps being taken by the store to curb this behaviour, there’s no doubt the close relationship with the local police and the highly visible posters help remind shoppers that stores should be safe places to shop and work.”

For more information on our Freedom from Fear Campaign visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/

Angela with staff at the local Tesco in Chapeltown

Issued : 22 May 2007

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