Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson is backing Usdaw’s (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) Freedom from Fear campaign, which seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.

Usdaw has released the results of its 2010 survey of over 1,000 retail workers which show in the last year 6 per cent were victims of a violent attack, 37 per cent received threats against them and 70 per cent were verbally abused. The survey also reveals that around 50 per cent of incidents were as a result of selling age-restricted products, like alcohol and cigarettes.

With this in mind, Bridget supports the Freedom from Fear campaign and its aims which include action to increase the safety and security of retail workers, to work with the Government in come up with better policies to help tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour, and supporting greater public awareness of ‘no id -; no sale’ – ensuring everyone knows that it is an offence to attempt to buy alcohol if you are under 18.

Freedom from Fear is just one of a long list of campaigns that Bridget has supported over the years, these include Unionlearn (for more information here) and support for her local Usdaw and Cooperative branches with their campaigns in the North East.

Bridget said: “I fully support Usdaw’s campaign to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.

“The results from Usdaw’s 2010 survey of retail staff are truly shocking. Everyone has the right to work without fear of verbal or physical assault.

“This week the Coalition will announce where the cuts will hit. I fear a reduction in the numbers of Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers, who protect us from violence, threats and abuse, will have an adverse effect on communities across the country.”

How you can help…

Help Bridget spread the word about the Freedom from Fear campaign. Tweet: bphillipsonmp: Everyone has the right to work free from verbal / physical abuse – support Freedom from Fear http://tiny.cc/0cdej , or to find more information click here.