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People who assault shopworkers in Scotland could get tougher penalties if a new bill is successful.

The bill is being brought by Hugh Henry MSP and is supported by Usdaw. It calls for the assault of shopworkers to be recognised as an aggravated crime, as it currently is for front line workers such as the emergency services. The Union is also campaigning for the same protection for shopworkers in England and Wales.

Hugh Henry MSP said: “Violent physical assaults against workers serving the public in Scotland are an all too common phenomenon. While progress has been made in strengthening criminal penalties for assaults against some workers, too many still lack sufficient protection at work.

“The Emergency Workers Act 2005 sought to provide additional protection to certain groups of workers by introducing tougher penalties for those found guilty of assaulting, hindering or obstructing those workers. This proposed legislation seeks to apply the protections contained within the Emergency Workers Act to any worker who provides a face to face service to the public.”

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added: “Shopworkers provide a vital service to the public, but they are all too often seen as an easy target for violence and abuse. Our latest survey showed that one in 10 shopworkers has been assaulted whilst at work.

“Usdaw is supporting Hugh Henry’s bill through the Scottish parliament and we have started campaigning for a similar law in England and Wales.”

Since the introduction of the Emergency Workers Act, the number of assaults on emergency staff has fallen and the number of convictions has risen. This is alongside a rise on assaults on workers not covered by the act.

Due to sufficient support from MSPs, The Workers (Aggravated Offences) Bill can move forward. It is due to be drafted by early May 2010 and is backed by the unions Usdaw, Unite, Unison, CWU and ASLEF.