Hull MP demands freedom from fear for shopworkers

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has renewed her backing for a campaign by the retail union Usdaw to tackle abuse against shopworkers.

Diana joined shopworkers in Westminster to sign up to Usdaw's Freedom from Fear campaign and to remind shoppers that 'It's your store respect it'.

A recent Usdaw survey found that a third of shop staff are subjected to vicious verbal abuse every month.

Diana Johnson MP said: "People who run or work in local shops have a right to work free from mindless abuse and intimidation.

"I am appalled that a recent survey by Usdaw shows that over one-third of shopworkers are verbally abused every month in their workplaces. I was particularly shocked that a quarter of staff suffer this abuse weekly, and that one in ten are verbally abused on a daily basis. All too often verbal abuse can lead to physical violence.

"Shops are the heart of our communities, providing an essential service and jobs to Hull residents. But if we don't tackle a significant minority of shoppers who believe it to be acceptable to abuse shop staff, then we could lose these local stores as retailers seek to protect their workers.

"I believe our local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has a key role in reducing this problem. I urge our Partnership to talk to local shopworkers and retail employers about how to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in and around shops.

"I've supported a wide range of tough Government measures against anti-social behaviour. Properly used, these powers can make a real difference to the working lives of retail staff. Tackling persistent offenders will give shop staff some much needed protection from a thuggish minority who think it acceptable to abuse them."

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said, "Our members in Hull North are delighted to have the support of Diana Johnson MP who has been a consistent supporter of our Freedom from Fear Campaign. The support of MPs like Diana has helped reduce physical abuse aimed at retail staff, but the levels of vicious verbal abuse, threats and assaults against shopworkers is still far too high.

"Usdaw has worked hard with retailers to improve in-store security that has helped protect staff, but we are urging a minority of shoppers in Hull who abuse staff to change their behaviour and respect shop workers who are only doing their best to serve their communities.

"Usdaw members need the back-up of their local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership who have tough powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and the support of Diana Johnson MP is vital in making sure that retailers can effectively work with their local Partnership".