AM Supports Campaign

Carl Sargeant Supports “Respect For Shopworkers Week”
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside calls on customers to “keep your cool at Christmas” in support of the campaign by retail trade union Usdaw to cut down on the abuse and assaults suffered by shop staff during the Christmas shopping period.

Respect for Shopworkers Week: is taking place between 7-11 November 2011

Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. This year they are organising a Respect for Shopworkers Week to highlight these important issues and raise awareness amongst shopworkers, customers, employers and politicians.

The campaign focuses on and highlights the problems in the run-up to Christmas.

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said:

“I am shocked that Usdaw’s most recent survey shows that two thirds of shop staff have been abused in the last year and nearly 10% have suffered physical assault. A major cause is angry customers and reports of ‘trolley rage’ incidents are on the increase. The shop staff that I met told me that Christmas is the time when they suffer most anger and abuse.

“Christmas shopping can be exciting but stressful. I urge all customers not to take out their frustration on shop staff who have to work hard, often for long hours at this time when shops are at their busiest. I was touched by the testimony of shopworkers who have told me that verbal abuse from customers is very hurtful and can leave staff upset and depressed.”