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Shop workers’ union Usdaw and Tesco have joined forces to combat abusive shoppers by placing posters in stores.
Tesco Chief Executive Sir Terry Leahy has agreed that posters will be displayed behind stores’ customer service desk reminding customers that violent or abusive behaviour is not tolerated. This is part of the union’s Freedom From Fear campaign, against retail assaults.
What they say
Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett joined Sir Terry Leahy at a Tesco Extra store in Greater Manchester to launch the national campaign with in-store union reps. “We’re delighted that Tesco and Usdaw have worked together to develop these posters designed to remind a small minority of customers that their abusive behaviour will not be tolerated,” says John Hannett. “The notices behind customer service desks remind customers that Tesco provides a safe environment for staff and customers so any physical assaults or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. The fact that Tesco’s Chief Executive and Usdaw’s General Secretary have come together to launch this initiative shows the battle to stamp out abuse aimed at hard working staff is being taken seriously from the top down. Retailers like Tesco working with Usdaw have already done a huge amount in reducing the abuse of shop staff but the sad fact remains that 95 per cent of our members report they have been verbally abused in their careers which shows we still have work to do.
“But there’s no doubt these highly visible posters will help remind shoppers that stores should be safe places to shop and work which I believe will play a significant role in creating safer working environments for Tesco employees across the UK.”
For more information on the Freedom From Fear Campaign visit:
