ACS Demands that Government do More to Protect Shopworkers
11 Jul 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the union USDAW’s annual Respect for Shopworkers Day, which highlights the problems of abuse and violence faced by shopworkers. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Once again respect for shopworkers day has received strong support, but we fear that Government policy will in fact make a shopworker’s job harder and more dangerous.
On the 1st October 2007 the legal purchasing age for tobacco will increase to 18. This will act as a flash point between retailers and 16 and 17 year old customers, who may not understand why they will no longer be able to buy tobacco. ACS has repeatedly called on Government to recognise that this age change will have massive implications and to do more to protect shopworkers.
James Lowman continued: “Respect for Shopworkers Day is an important event which reminds people of the role shop staff play in local society. An Early Day Motion in Parliament supported the day has received 93 signatures, and it is heartening to see that importance of shop staff and the difficult job they have to do is recognised. We commend the organisers USDAW for the excellent work that they do.
“However, it is a shame that current Government policy does not do more to protect retailers and shopworkers. Shop crime continues to slide further down the Government’s agenda, and is not treated a seriously as it should be.
“The increase in the legal purchasing age for tobacco to 18 will place a major burden on retailers and shopworkers. Overnight, many young people will not be able to buy cigarettes or tobacco. Despite Government insisting this will not cause an increase in verbal or physical abuse, it is inconceivable that it will not lead to more confrontation. More action is needed now, so that people understand it is unacceptable to intimidate and abuse shopworkers, who are only trying to serve their community.
“We need a high profile campaign to educate young people about the age increase to 18. And it needs to start now.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. Early Day Motion 1728 entitled Respect for Shopworkers Day has 93 signatures
On the 1st October 2007 the legal purchasing age for tobacco will increase to 18. This will act as a flash point between retailers and 16 and 17 year old customers, who may not understand why they will no longer be able to buy tobacco. ACS has repeatedly called on Government to recognise that this age change will have massive implications and to do more to protect shopworkers.
James Lowman continued: “Respect for Shopworkers Day is an important event which reminds people of the role shop staff play in local society. An Early Day Motion in Parliament supported the day has received 93 signatures, and it is heartening to see that importance of shop staff and the difficult job they have to do is recognised. We commend the organisers USDAW for the excellent work that they do.
“However, it is a shame that current Government policy does not do more to protect retailers and shopworkers. Shop crime continues to slide further down the Government’s agenda, and is not treated a seriously as it should be.
“The increase in the legal purchasing age for tobacco to 18 will place a major burden on retailers and shopworkers. Overnight, many young people will not be able to buy cigarettes or tobacco. Despite Government insisting this will not cause an increase in verbal or physical abuse, it is inconceivable that it will not lead to more confrontation. More action is needed now, so that people understand it is unacceptable to intimidate and abuse shopworkers, who are only trying to serve their community.
“We need a high profile campaign to educate young people about the age increase to 18. And it needs to start now.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. Early Day Motion 1728 entitled Respect for Shopworkers Day has 93 signatures