Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says: “Today MPs had the opportunity to back a new law to protect shopworkers, which is supported by our members, customers and retailers. We are deeply disappointed that they let that opportunity pass them by at a time when our members are facing unprecedented levels of violence, threats and abuse.
“However the Minister promised twice during the debate that they would bring forward an amendment in the House of Lords and we urge the Government to keep to their word and ensure that the measure they bring forward will be substantial and deliver much needed protections.
“When retail employers, leading retail bodies, the public and the shopworkers’ trade union call for legislation, it is time for the Government and MPs to listen. In Scotland, MSPs voted through a new ground-breaking law to give workers the protection they deserve. We are now looking for the UK Government to end their opposition and deliver on their promise.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
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