Thanks to Scottish Co-operative Party MSP Daniel Johnson, supported by Co-op Party members, co-operative retail societies like Scotmid and the Co-op Group, and trade unions like USDAW we have managed to change the law in Scotland to give greater protection to retail workers.
Sadly, this does not stop retail workers being attacked and we must ensure that Police Scotland and the prosecuting authorities use all the powers available to them under the new legislation to ensure that retail workers are safe.
Our MSPs are writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice asking her to ensure that the powers given to the police and the prosecutors by Daniel Johnson Bill will be used. Will you stand with them, and co-sign this letter?
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
Dear Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
We are writing to you about retail crime. Members of the trade union Usdaw have drawn our attention to recent statements from the Co-op Group about retail workers facing crime on a regular basis. The Co-op says that there are 1000 incidents of crime in their stores every day across the United Kingdom.
Many people in our local communities have also expressed their concerns at the treatment of retail workers and are keen to see Police Scotland and the Crown Office use all the powers that they have, especially those given by the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-related Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act to protect retail workers.
The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-related Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act is relatively new. We would be interested to know how local prosecutors are kept up to date with the most recent legislation to ensure that they are using the full force of the law. In this case there have been significant changes in the law around retail crime. We are sure that you will agree with us that nobody should face violence, threats or abuse at their place of work. We would be grateful if you were able to give us an overview of statistics for retail crime across Scotland and also give us a sense of how often the increased powers under this recent legislation are used.
64 signatures
Help us reach 1000
Promoted by Joe Fortune on behalf of the Co-operative Party, both at Unit 13, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ, United Kingdom.Co-operative Party Limited is a registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registered no. 30027R
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