MP backs more protection for shopworkers

EAST Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury is backing greater protection for shop workers from the threat of violence.

A spokesman for Mr Amesbury’s office said research carried out by the Usdaw union revealed the number of shopworkers encountering abuse and assaults has increased, with an average of 265 assaults every day.

Campaigners are now calling for greater protections to be written into the Offensive Weapons Bill, which aims to strengthen the law around the sale and possession of acid and knives.

Clause 1 of the bill would make it an offence for a person to sell a corrosive product to a person who is under the age of 18.

The union is calling for an amendment to the Offensive Weapons Bill that would provide specific protections for shopworkers who are refusing to sell to someone they suspect is under 18 and may be threatened or intimidated.

Mr Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale and shadow employment minister, said: “The growth in such behaviour is deeply concerning.

“Shopworkers across the country should be treated with respect and allowed to work without fear of intimidation.

“I hope there can be a cross-party approach to this amendment, and that the concerns Usdaw has raised will be listened to by the Government as the bill progresses.”