Written question asked by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 12 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action the Government has taken or will be taking to tackle violence against retail staff.

Answer: Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government (a) have taken and (b) will take to tackle violence against retail staff. [191508] Ms Blears: The Government believe that everyone has the right to go about their work without the threat of violence and abuse, and this is why we fully support the USDAW "Freedom from Fear" campaign to promote the safety of shop workers. Advice on managing work-related violence, including specific guidance for the retail sector, has been published by the Health and Safety Executive and can be accessed via their website www.hse.gov.uk. The Home Office has also provided assistance through the provision of a training programme, earlier this year, which covered all aspects of security, including protecting staff and dealing with potentially violent situations. Over 440 people attended these courses which were run across the country. Other Government policies to tackle alcohol misuse related crime or antisocial behaviour such as the `Together' campaign, will all contribute towards decreasing violent crime in the workplace. We are also supporting innovative projects to give confidence and training to shopworkers such as the ShopWatch scheme in London, where shopworkers volunteer to be trained as Special Constables, receiving paid leave from their employers to patrol the shopping area during trading hours.

Secondary information