Stevenson Backs 'Respect for Shopworkers Week'

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson showed his support for Respect for Shopworkers Week’ when he visited the Co-op store in Banff this week.

During his visit to the store on Bridge Road, Mr Stevenson discussed local community safety issues with store staff and heard about the Co-op’s operational programme to help tackle crime.

Gordon McCabe, USDAW Area Organiser; Neil MacDonald, Shopworker;
Michael Boylan, Area Manager; Stewart Stevenson MSP;
Mariola Stanislawska, Shopworker; Kim MacDonald, Store Manager

As part of its commitment to colleague safety and community well-being, the Co-op is backing the shopworkers’ union USDAW’s campaign and the Respect for Shopworkers Week.

Mr Stevenson said:

“Shop workers are entitled to be safe at work and to be treated with respect. Too many face verbal abuse, threats and even assaults in the course of their daily work.

“Violent crime in shops often has a shocking, and lasting, impact on those working at the frontline. That is why I am backing this important initiative as we must all do everything we can to help reduce these attacks.”

Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns at the Co-op, said:

“Retail crime is often considered to be victimless as people think it only involves a faceless business losing stock or money. However, it is not the shop that is left bruised, bleeding or traumatised. This type of crime has nothing to do with profit and everything to do with people.

“In the months ahead, we’ll be looking to work with local community groups and other neighbourhood leaders who are engaged in tackling the root causes of crime, to see if we can identify mutual solutions to shared concerns.”