Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has urged the Scottish Government to do more to shield shop workers in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire form verbal abuse and assault over the Christmas shopping season.
During a parliamentary debate on Usdaw’s campaign to prevent shop worker abuse, the Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP called for a single piece of legislation to help protect workers from physical and mental assault.
Murdo also expressed shock at findings that showed the majority of reported assaults on parking attendants happen in the Perth and Kinross area.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Shopworkers across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire have the right to work free from assault or fear of abuse.
“As we approach the Christmas season retail workers will have to deal with long and often unsociable hours, and the last thing they should expect is customers who are either violent or abusive.
“Back in 2005 the Scottish Government legislated to protected frontline emergency services workers from threats and abuse at work and whilst I supported the broader aims of this bill, I voted against it. I believed then, as I do now, that one single piece of legislation must exist to protect all workers regardless of occupation. A two tier structure that only protects those in emergency services fails to grasp the whole issue.
“Retailers across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire must also make it clear that where assault and abuse happens on their premises they will seek prosecution. It’s important that shop workers feel as though they have the full backing of their employer when dealing with customers. When it comes to assault and abuse, the customer is never right.”