One in every 10 shopworkers has at some point been physically assaulted. That is according to shopworkers’ union Usdaw.
The union revealed its survey results in the run up to ‘Respect for Shopworkers Week’ at the beginning of November.
Besides store robberies, many staff are being assaulted whilst trying to get on with their daily job. Many of these incidents are motiveless and random attacks, whilst many more are customers getting angry at being asked for ID or refused alcohol.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “It is an outrage that so many of our members can’t get on with their daily job without the fear of abuse from customers. That’s why Usdaw is running its ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign again this year – to show that no abuse, either verbal or physical, of shopworkers is acceptable.
“Our survey shows that incidents of verbal abuse are going down. This is due in large part to our campaign, which has encouraged many employers to take the issue of staff safety much more seriously. However, the British Retail Consortium forecasts a possible rise in incidents of violence due to the economic downturn, coupled with increased stress over the Christmas period.
“Therefore we urge employers to make the security of their staff a top priority and for customers to keep their cool at Christmas and show due respect to shopworkers.”
Notes
Respect for Shopworkers Week will take place from 3-7 November. Events will be held in stores nationwide throughout the week.
http://www.usdaw.org.uk
Better training and protective personal equipment, including stab vests, is needed to counter violence against police staff, says the union Unison.
The latest union survey suggests that almost three-quarters of police custody staff have been threatened with physical violence. Given the nature of the job, it is not surprising that members are subject to abuse and even violence, said Ben Priestley, UNISON national officer for police staff. However, that risk can be reduced if staff are given the right training and equipment, he said.
“Staff must have training to handle potentially dangerous situations and be given the necessary personal protective equipment to their job safely and effectively – and that means having stab vests. Police forces around the country need to take a long hard look at these figures and agree an action plan with the union to better protect their staff.”
Jobs include custody, forensic services, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), police station enquiry clerks (receptionists-security) and traffic wardens. Ben Priestley, said: “Because of the nature of the police service, staff will come up against some pretty hard and sometimes dangerous characters. It’s hardly surprising that members come in for abuse and even violence, however that risk can be reduced if staff are given the right training and equipment to protect themselves, the public and other members of staff.
“The level of the abuse highlighted by this survey is frankly shocking. Staff must have training to handle potentially dangerous situations and be given the necessary personal protective equipment to their job safely and effectively – and that means having stab vests.
“Employers have a duty of care towards their staff and it’s clear that some Forces are failing in that duty. The survey shows significant staff shortages in every area where violence is prevalent and this must have an impact on the safety of remaining staff. Police forces around the country need to take a long hard look at these figures and agree an action plan with the union to better protect their staff.”
