RESPECT FOR SHOPWORKERS DAY ON 17 SEPTEMBER 2003

Early day motion 1509, tabled 1 July 2003 by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour). Signed by 111 members.

That this House is appalled at the continuing high levels of violence and abuse faced by shopworkers, as reported in Usdaw's survey 'Voices from the Frontline' which showed incidents of violence against staff in 47 per cent. of stores in the last 12 months, threats of violence in 72 per cent. of stores and verbal abuse being a daily problem in over a third; notes with concern the British Retail Consortium's latest retail crime survey showing levels of violence remaining high and threats of violence increasing more than threefold; and calls upon honourable Members to support Usdaw's Freedom from Fear campaign to protect shopworkers from violence and abuse and to celebrate Respect for Shopworkers Day on 17th September with the union and Co-op retailers to raise awareness of the problems faced by retail staff and to educate the public to treat all shopworkers with respect.

Signatures by party: Labour 81, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, UUP 1.