Once In a Generation Opportunity to Protect Shop Workers

SGF is delighted to announce a significant leap forwarding its long-term goal of creating a safer and more secure in-store retail environment.  On 22nd January, Edinburgh Southern MSP Daniel Johnson – the Scottish Labour Party frontbench spokesperson on Justice - formally launched a new proposal to protect shopworkers. The Labour MSP has now opened a consultation into his proposal, which would create new offences regarding shopworkers and others who are involved in the sale and supply of age-restricted good and services. Mr Johnson has had support from trade union Usdaw, and the Scottish Grocers Federation in the preparation of the consultation. The consultation marks the first stage of a parliamentary process which could see a draft bill being voted on by MSPs towards the end of 2018.

Daniel Johnson MSP said:

“I am pleased to be launching the consultation for a bill which will provide additional protection to workers. The issue of violence and abuse against workers continues to grow, and many workers have told me that they now see it as just part of the job. My bill aims to provide legislative solutions, by creating new offences for those who assault or abuse workers.

“I would encourage anyone who can to contribute to the consultation at www.notpartofthejob.com and have their say on how we can protect workers.

“I am delighted that the proposal has the support of both Usdaw and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and I want to thank them for their support in getting to this stage. As the bill makes its way through the Parliamentary process, I hope that breadth of support continues.”

Pete Cheema, chief executive of Scottish Grocers Federation said:

“the launch of the consultation is the culmination of an intense period of hard work by Daniel and we are fully behind this proposal. This represents a once-in-generation opportunity to make shops in Scotland safer for staff, customers and communities. This is something everyone in Scotland should support. We would urge all our members and key stakeholders to respond positively to it.”.

The consultation runs for twelve weeks and the responses will be analysed by the Scottish Parliament and used to inform a draft Bill.