MP supports anti-abuse campaign
Published on 19th April 2007 in News
Pictured outside Tesco’s store in Goole are, from the left, local MP Ian Cawsey with shop workers Yvonne Wilcock and Mary Walker with store manager Steve Clark and personnel manager Marie Toora.
Goole MP Ian Cawsey visited the town's Tesco store to inspect the new posters intended to promote respect for shop workers. The signs are a joint initiative between Tesco and the shopworkers' trade union, Usdaw.
Mr Cawsey told the Goole Times: "I very much support the work that Usdaw and Tesco are doing to promote respect in their stores. It is an important issue and we've seen examples where shopworkers are not given the respect they should be."
The signs say 'Our staff and customers have the right to be treated with respect. To provide a safe environment we will not tolerate violent or abusive behaviour in our stores. Thank you for your support.'
Mr Cawsey said: "Violence, threats and abuse at work are major problems for all workers who deal with the general public. I think this example of a trade union and an employer working together to overcome this problem is something to be commended."
John Hannet, Usdaw general secretary, welcomed the MP's support for the initiative and said his trade union had worked hard with Tesco to ensure the stores were safe and comfortable environments for shopworkers and shoppers alike.
A survey showed that one in three of Tesco union members said that they faced verbal abuse on a daily basis.
Goole's store manager Steve Clark said he was delighted that Mr Cawsey had visited the store to help promote the policy and the joint work with Usdaw. He said: "The health and safety of our customers and staff is a very important concern of ours.
"We are keen to foster an atmosphere of respect in our stores and these posters make that clear."