MP bids to counter violence to shop staff

Edinburgh East Labour MP Sheila Gilmore has called for action to prevent violence against shop staff after a survey found more than a million shop workers across the UK were assaulted, threatened or verbally abused in the last 12 months.

The survey showed half the incidents were as a result of selling age-restricted products, like alcohol and cigarettes.

Ms Gilmore said: "Shop workers deserve respect. We must do more to help them.

"I would like to see a high-profile publicity campaign, ensuring young people are aware that it is an offence to attempt to buy alcohol if you are under 18."

John Hannett, general secretary of shop union USDAW, said: "Age-restricted sales is an issue of real concern to our members. If they make a mistake and serve somebody under 18 they risk being prosecuted and receiving an 80 fine.

"If they fail to ask for age identification from somebody under 25, they run the risk of being disciplined for not following company policy.

"Asking for identification can lead to abuse and a refusal to serve can be a real flashpoint."