Shop union violence plan gets official stamp

Shop union violence plan gets official stamp

A long running campaign by retail union Usdaw to curtail violence to staff in the sector has made remarkable progress - and the union is now spearheading a national drive for further improvements. At a summit meeting last month led by Usdaw, key representatives from local and national government, police, and retail employers agreed on a united front against retail crime and against violence and abuse to staff. Alan Campbell, Home Office minister for crime reduction, told the meeting there had been a dramatic drop in retail crime but that there was 'no room for complacency and we are fully supportive of Usdaw's Freedom from Fear campaign. We are continuing to work with industry on a range of actions to tackle crimes against retailers.' He added: 'Since 1997 more shoplifters are going to jail and there are tough sentencing guidelines in place for those who commit violence against shop staff.' Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: 'It was heartening to see the strong commitment and support from all parties present for Usdaw's Freedom from Fear campaign. Retailers and others at the meeting were quick to come forward with practical ideas to build on the progress we have already made.' He added: 'Usdaw has agreed to carry out a nationwide audit to gather together examples of good practice and initiatives that are being pursued by individual retailers or in particular neighbourhoods. It was clear from the discussion that there are a lot of good things going on in some parts of the country, but there are also major gaps. We need some central coordination at the national level to bring it all together; to make sure that good standards of protection are applied in all stores, and to cement stronger relations between shop workers and neighbourhood police teams. '

Usdaw news release.