Shopworkers face age old problem

Shopworkers face age old problem

Two-thirds of shopworkers have faced abuse when asking for proof of age ID from customers, a survey by retail union Usdaw has found. Usdaw says a 'shocking' 65 per cent of shopworkers have been subjected to verbal abuse as a result of asking for ID, while over 16 per cent have been threatened with violence and more than 2 per cent have been physically assaulted. Usdaw's annual abuse survey found over 70 per cent of shopworkers are worried about facing criminal prosecution if they get a decision wrong with over 60 per cent concerned about being disciplined by their employer. John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, said: 'These figures are a matter of grave concern and show that age restricted sales are a real minefield for our members to negotiate. If they make a mistake and sell alcohol to a customer under-18 they risk being prosecuted and receiving a £80 on-the-spot fine for a first offence with repeated breaches incurring a court appearance and a fine of up to £5,000. If they fail to ask for age identification from somebody under-25, they run the risk of being disciplined for not following company policy.' He added: 'On the other hand, asking for age identification often leads to abuse from frustrated and angry customers and a refusal of a sale can be a real flashpoint for threats or even violence. As one anonymous member said in the survey, 'we're damned if we ask for ID, damned if we don't'.' The union leader said Usdaw wants the government to launch an awareness campaign about age-restricted sales. It also wants to see the introduction of 'a single and voluntary national entitlement card for young people that would show proof of age. This would make it much easier for workers to check a person's age when needed.' Usdaw's Respect for Shopworkers week starts on Monday 8 November.

• Usdaw news release, Respect for Shopworkers toolkit and Freedom from Fear campaign.