Freedom from Fear

This morning David Hanson MP and I will be at Tesco’s in Holywell with USDAW as part of their Freedom from Fear campaign.

It is an excellent example of where a responsible trade union can make a difference – working with employers to look after their members. We hear a lot about the front line in policing – but shopworkers are regularly on the front line, facing abuse and worse from customers.

USDAW’s advice to shopworkers who are harassed by a customer:

1. Stay calm – or as calm as possible. Remember you are not alone and Usdaw will support you.

2. Do not tackle the situation on your own.Either call for a supervisor/manager to come to you, or go to a supervisor/manager. Ask them to deal with the customer.

3. The supervisor/manager should explain that harassment of staff will not be tolerated in the store and seek an apology on your behalf. The manager/supervisor should warn the customer that any repetition will not be tolerated, and may lead to their banning from the store. In some cases, the manager/supervisor should ask the customer to leave the store straight away and not return.

You can find out more about the campaign here.