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Union and MSP back shop staff


By Leanne Murray

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Banff Co-op, Usdaw, Stewart Stevenson
Banff Co-op, Usdaw, Stewart Stevenson

A TRADE union has called on the Scottish Government to act as statistics reveal a 40 per cent increase of violence against shopworkers.

Usdaw, the shopworkers trade union, has met with local shop staff and MSP for the Banffshire and Buchan coast, Stewart Stevenson, to raise awareness on the issue.

Included in the new statistics states that six in 10 shopworkers experienced verbal abuse, 37 per cent were threatened by a customer, with more than 230 assaulted every day.

A member's bill by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern) is currently in the drafting stage within the Scottish Parliament. Usdaw Scottish divisional officer, Stewart Forrest said: "The extent of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers is shocking and requires urgent action. We hope that MSPs from all parties and the Scottish Government are listening and they will back Daniel Johnson's much-needed Bill when it comes before Holyrood."

MSP Mr Stevenson was at the Co-op in Banff to show his support for the campaign.

He said: "Shop workers are entitled to be safe at work and to be treated with respect. Too many face verbal abuse, threats and even assaults in the course of their daily work.

"Violent crime in shops often has a shocking, and lasting, impact."


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