PRESS RELEASE

October 25th, 2010

MSP brands shopworkers violence 'unacceptable'

Greenock and Inverclyde Duncan McNeil has backed the Freedom from Fear campaign which seeks to protect shopworkers from violence.

According to Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2008-09, of adults who had jobs involving contact with the general public, 35% had experienced either verbal abuse or physical abuse; recognises that there has been a 78% increase in violence and abuse against Scottish shop workers over the last three years.

The MSP has backed a bill by his Scottish Parliamentary colleague Hugh Henry which aims to introduce tougher penalties for people who commit offences against shopworkers.

After attending a Freedom from fear event at Tesco in Greenock, the MSP said: " There has been a worrying rise in incidents of violence against Scottish shop workers and one in three admit they have experienced physical or verbal abuse.

"The hard-working people who deliver the services we all need and enjoy deserve the right to be safe at their workplace."

ENDS