Violence Against Betting Shop Workers
Cathy
Peattie MSP has backed a new campaign launched to confront the problem
of violence against betting shop workers.
"We have about 900 betting shops in Scotland employing about 4500 staff," said Cathy
"In the UK, betting shop robberies have increased and now average approximately 5 per day. That's the tip of the iceberg when it comes to violence in betting shops, but most betting shop chains provide inadequate support for staff who have been victims of robbery and violence, and staff may even be forced to return under threat of losing their sick pay."
Community and its members are concerned at the unwillingness of the betting shop chains to liaise with the relevant agencies to protect their employees and reduce the feeling of vulnerability which is widespread within the industry and growing. The Safety Poster Campaign highlights the unacceptability of violence against betting shop workers and will be displayed in betting shops across Scotland.
Notes
Community Trade Union is a Trade Union which evolved following the merger between ISTC (Iron Steel Trade Confederation and KFAT (Knitwear Footwear Allied Trades) in 2004. Other organisations such NLBD (National League of the Blind and the Disabled) BUSWE (British union of social work employees) are also part of the make up of Community Trade Union.
Since the review of the Gambling Act which afforded the opportunity for betting shop chains to operate longer hours there has been a significant rise in shop robberies - approx 5 reported incidents per day - Community has anecdotal evidence that many incidents go unreported.
(February 2008)