Threats against shop workers on the increase

Figures released by the British Retail Consortium employers' organisation show that threats against shopworkers have increased sharply, from five per 1,000 in 2001 to 18 per 1,000 in 2002. Reported attacks fell slightly over the same period. Shopworkers' union USDAW has been running its "Freedom from Fear" campaign to highlight the issue. Earlier this month the union launched a "Charter for Shopworkers" and on 17 September the union is to organise a National Respect Day for shopworkers.

* For more information visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/