Tag: USDAW

Holyrood support for shop workers

The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee yesterday announced its unanimous support for the general principles of the ‘Protection of Workers Bill’ after it published its Stage One report on the bill.

The Bill, which seeks to increase protection for retail workers, was introduced by Daniel Johnson MSP.

While taking evidence the Committee heard compelling stories of the unacceptable violence, threats and aggression that retail workers are subject to. The Committee was told that workers who sell age restricted goods have a special role in upholding the law and this can sometimes trigger violence and abuse.

The Committee was also concerned to hear that shop workers do not always report these crimes. Some workers think it is a normal part of their job or believe that it will not be taken seriously by their employer or the police.

The Committee heard that there needs to be greater awareness of the scale and seriousness of these crimes among members of the public, retail staff, retail employers and the police.

 Committee Convener Michelle Ballantyne MSP said: “Retail workers have always played a key role in Scotland’s communities; however, the role that they have played over the last few months has been phenomenal.

More than 375,000 people in Scotland work in the retail sector and all of them deserve our thanks. They have been at the heart of members’ consideration of this bill. 

“The abuse that retail workers face every day just for doing their jobs is completely unacceptable. Each incident is one too many and the Committee welcomes the bill’s aim to provide greater protection, especially where retail workers are enforcing age restrictions. Abuse must be taken seriously and crimes must be reported to ensure that these matters are given the priority they deserve.”

While approving the general principles, the Committee has invited Daniel Johnson MSP to work proactively with the Scottish Government to help address reservations that the Committee has with regards to the legislation. 

Michelle Ballantyne MSP added: “The abuse of retail workers is clearly a problem and it needs to be addressed. That is why we are supportng the general principles of the bill today.

However we are also clear that this bill is far from the finished article. Work needs to be done to ensure that the bill increases protection for retail workers in a clear enforceable way.

“I look forward to the Member working with the Scottish Government before the Committee considers the bill at Stage Two.”

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee unanimously passing to the next stage the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).

Usdaw calls for MSPs to support the measure when it is debated at stage 2.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, said: “We thank the all-party committee for their diligence, unanimous approval of the general principles of the Bill and recognition that retail workers are subject to unacceptable violence, threats and aggression every working day.

“Also their understanding that age-restricted sales is a major flashpoint, where shopworkers are at risk because they enforce the law to help keep our communities safe.

“Throughout the coronavirus emergency shopworkers are ensuring that Scotland remains fed. Shopworkers are at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, yet they have continued to go to work and help respond to the crisis. Despite this, we have seen abuse, threats and violence against shop staff double this year.

“However abuse of shopworkers is a problem in more normal times and, in our view, the current legal provisions do not sufficiently protect them. The Scottish Government has indicated they too support the intentions of the Bill and will engage in the details of it. We hope that will lead to a change in the law to better protect shopworkers.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “This is very welcome news and we hope it will result in the Scottish Parliament leading the way on protection of shopworkers, as they did with emergency service workers, and pass this Bill.

“At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that people working to keep food on the shelves are being abused and assaulted. Action is required. Our message is clear, abuse is not part of the job.

“Retail staff are key workers delivering essential services and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law. Shops are the cornerstone of our communities and we continue to work with the employers to improve health and safety for staff. We also call on customers to stay calm and respect shopworkers.”

Usdaw welcomes Protection of Workers Bill progress

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has welcomed further scrutiny of the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill at yesterday’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee meeting.

Usdaw is caling for the Bill to complete Stage 1 and progress to Stage 2 of the legislative process, so that the Parliament can give consideration to amendments.

Promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), the new law would protect retail workers from threats and abuse when enforcing the law on the purchase of age-restricted products.

Today’s meeting heard evidence from Daniel Johnson and allowed members of the committee to question him on his proposed new legislation.

Stewart Forrest,Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, says: “We welcome the committee’s scrutiny of this Bill. This proposed new law is really important to our members and tackles a key issue of concern for them.

“Every minute of every day another Scottish shopworker is abused, threatened or assaulted; often in the course of them enforcing the law, so they deserve the protection of the law.

“It was clear from today’s meeting that there is strong support for the intentions of the Bill, albeit there are questions about the details. So we would welcome the Bill progressing to the next stages of the legislative process when amendments can be fully considered.

“Throughout the Coronavirus outbreak shopworkers have been on the frontline of ensuring that Scotland remains fed. It is clear that shopworkers are at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, yet they have continued to go to work and help respond to the crisis sweeping the nation.

“Despite this key role, we have seen abuse, threats and violence against shop staff double during the Coronavirus emergency.

“However abuse of shopworkers is not a problem confined to these times of crisis and, in our view, the current legal provisions do not sufficiently protect them.

“The Scottish Government has indicated they too support the intentions of the Bill and will engage in the details of it. We hope that will lead to a change in the law to better protect shopworkers.”

Feeding the nation our daily bread

Feeding the nation is an essential part of us getting through the current crisis, so the trade union Usdaw and trade association Scottish Bakers have combined to acknowledge and welcome the crucial work bakers are doing to literally put our daily bread, savoury snacks and sweet treats on the table in extremely difficult circumstances.

Dave Gill, Usdaw National Officer, says: “Usdaw members throughout the food supply chain are doing essential work to keep us all fed. From manufacturing to distribution to retail, the country could not continue in these trying times without them.

“Staff are of course deeply concerned about their own personal safety, at a time when everyone who can has been instructed to stay at home. We are working with employers to promote necessary safety standards in essential workplaces, helping to ensure social distancing and hygiene standards are met.

“Usdaw continues support and advise our members through this difficult period and stands ready to resolve any issues of concern with their employer.”

Alasdair Smith – Scottish Bakers Chief Executive says: “Across the country our members are still baking and serving their communities with fresh baked goods. Many of our bakers have strong community links too and are going further with deliveries to vulnerable groups and those in self-isolation and we applaud them for their dedication.

“Throughout the current health crisis Scottish Bakers has worked with members to ensure they fully understand the demands of safe social distancing and so can continue to operate safely keeping their workforce and customers safe and well.”

Key Worker status: Usdaw appeals to local authorities

Retail trade union Usdaw has written to the Scottish Government THREE TIMES urging them to clarify that workers in the food and pharmaceutical supply chains are defined as key workers and therefore able to access school childcare provision. 

The union has not received the necessary clarity, so has written to all Scottish local authority leaders directly, pleading with them to allow retail and pharmaceutical workers to make use of the much needed services schools offer, to enable them to go into work and provide the essential services we all rely on.

Stewart Forrest,Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland, said: “Usdaw is extremely disappointed with the guidance issued by the Scottish Government on Friday regarding school closures.

“In the rest of the UK, the essential role of food and pharmaceutical workers has been recognised, with these workers rightly prioritised for childcare provision.  This has not been made clear in the guidance for Scotland.

“There is an extraordinary effort being undertaken by workers throughout the supply chain, to keep Scotland fed.  The supply of food and medicine is always an essential service, now more than ever. There should be no question whatsoever that our members in these roles are essential workers and that they need to be prioritised.

“It is very disappointing that we have been forced to write to local authority leaders directly, but we will not let this rest until our members, who are doing essential work in very difficult circumstances, have the correct support that they desperately need.”

USDAW calls for key worker clarity

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw continues to seek assurances from the Scottish Government that retail and pharmaceutical workers are covered by the key worker provisions.

Yesterday Usdaw and the Scottish Retail Consortium made a joint plea to John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2020/Mar/SRC-and-Usdaw-jointly-call-on-the-Scottish-Governm

Following the Scottish Government announcement of their key worker scheme, Stewart Forrest – Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer has again written to the Minister saying: “I note that in the guidance published by the Scottish Government this afternoon, Category 2 workers include ‘those supporting our Critical National Infrastructure’.

“Food, including retail, supply and production is defined elsewhere by the Scottish Government as part of Critical National Infrastructure and therefore we are seeking urgent confirmation that these workers should be included in Category 2 of the key worker definition. We would also expect our members working the pharmaceutical supply chain to be included in this category.

“Could you provide clarity on this for our members and for the local authorities at the earliest opportunity, so that the supply of food and medicine in Scotland is not disrupted.”

Earlier this week USDAW issued an appeal for public support: 

Retail workers will play an essential role in getting the country through this crisis and they need your support. Here are some things that everyone can do to help:

  • We understand that it can be frustrating when shops are very busy, or you can’t get the items you want, but it is never acceptable to take this out on shopworkers or delivery drivers. It isn’t their fault, and they are doing the very best they can. Please treat our members with the courtesy and respect that they deserve. 
  • Please only buy what you need. Where supermarkets are placing restrictions on items, this is to ensure that everyone can get the essentials that they need. There is enough for everyone, if we all show some consideration for others. 
  • Please take precautions to limit the risk of spreading infection to shopworkers and others. Wash your hands before you go shopping, maintain physical distance and try to pay using your contactless card if possible, rather than cash. If you are able to go shopping alone rather than bringing your family with you, or to shop on behalf of friends and neighbours, this would be a good idea too.
  • If you are using supermarket deliveries, make sure that you inform the company beforehand if you are self-isolating. Please be understanding of the measures that delivery drivers are taking to protect themselves and you, such as doorstep only deliveries.

We are working with employers to ensure that our members have the support they need to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible.  

Some of the measures we are calling for include paid time off for sickness and self-isolation, ensuring that staff are not penalised under any absence policies for time off, access to handwashing facilities, hand sanitiser wherever available, and clean workplaces.

We are also expecting employers to take appropriate security measures to keep workers safe. Any member with concerns should contact their Union rep for advice.

We would like to thank all of those customers who have been understanding, patient and supportive towards our members during what has been a stressful and difficult time.

We would also like to express our solidarity with the millions of health and social care workers, who are working hard and putting themselves on the front line every day to help us all.

USDAW: Shopworkers need legal protection

Too many shopworkers are assaulted and they need the protection of the law, Usdaw will tell a Scottish Parliament Committee today.

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw will today give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee in support of the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which is being promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).

The Committee will meet at 9.45am in the Scottish Parliament’s David Livingstone Room (CR6).

As well as taking evidence from Usdaw, the committee will also hear from: Law Society of Scotland; Police Scotland; Scottish Grocers’ Federation; Scottish Retail Consortium; The Scottish Beer and Pub Association; Co-operative Group, and GMB.

Usdaw’s 2019 Freedom From Fear survey of over 1,000 Scottish retail workers shows that:

  • More than 6 in 10 Scottish retail workers experienced verbal abuse.
  • 32% were threatened by a customer.
  • 2.3% were assaulted, which amounts to more than 15* assaults every day across all of Scotland’s shopworkers.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw Scottish Divisional Officer, said: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers is totally unacceptable and we welcome the opportunity to give evidence in support of Daniel Johnson’s Bill.

“The statistics are shocking, showing that on average a Scottish shopworker can end up on the wrong side of a verbal or physical assault more than once every three weeks. Our message is clear, abuse is not a part of the job.

“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail staff about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with employers to promote respect.

“There needs to be a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, the judiciary and most importantly criminals. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”

Voices from the Scottish frontline: 

As part of Usdaw’s survey of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers, respondents have the opportunity to feed back their experiences, here are some examples from Scotland:

Alcohol: Aberdeen – “Customer under influence refused alcohol and became abusive and threatened staff.” Bellshill – “Because Scottish licencing laws are not clear to customers, I receive abuse on a regular occurrence.” Irvine – “Daily abuse from customers under the influence of drugs and alcohol”. Glasgow – “Couldn’t sell alcohol before 10 am got an earful and told I’d ruined her life.” Aberdeenshire – “Refused customer alcohol as they were drunk they tried to grab my hair and grabbed hold of my shirt.”

Age-restricted sales: Broxburn – “Customers very aggressive when refused sale of age restricted products, particularly alcohol. They think it’s ok to shout and swear at you using language that is disgusting and personal insults.” Fife – “ID’d someone who looked about 19, called a ‘ginger c**t’.” Fraserburgh – “Refused customer cigarettes and they started shouting and swearing”. Stranraer – “I was sworn at when I refused sale of a restricted item without ID”.

Throwing goods: Inverurie – “Customer threw items of their shopping at me as they were unhappy about the price.” Aberdeen – “I asked some youths to leave the store and they started throwing things at me.” Dalkeith – “One time a customer threw a computer at the manager.” Stenhousemuir – “His scotch pie, was not hot, he threw it back at me, and it hit my face.”

Sexual harassment: Fife – “Customer talking to members of staff inappropriately forcing members to be feel uncomfortable.” Moray coast – “Usually more sexual harassment that makes me feel extremely threatened and unsafe” Glasgow – “Got flashed by a customer, have had customers grab me and comment on my breasts.”

Shoplifters: Fife – “Shoplifter tried to head-butt me”. Braehead – “Chasing shoplifters – threatened with knife and syringes.” Glasgow – “Shoplifter tried to headbutt and kick me whilst he was being detained. Threatened to find my family using social media and slash their faces.”

Belittling: Wick – “Asked if I was stupid, spoken to like a child.” Dumfries – “I was asked if I was a normal person or not.” Dunfermline – “A customer once told me he wished I’d go away and kill myself for trying to do my job helping him.” Glasgow – “I have been called a fat cow and a jobs worth from shoplifters”.

Assault: Dingwall – “One customer elbowed me on purpose when I went past.” Greenock – “Was attacked and a fag stubbed out on my face.” Stirling – “Shoplifter pushed me over dislocating shoulder”.

Verbal abuse: Dundee – “I have had customers shout at me if something doesn’t go right and called many names, such as b***h and c**t.” Inverness – “A Woman was very upset about our lack of 10p bags and got verbally abusive.” Kilmarnock – “People being rude and bad mannered if they have to wait more than a minute in a queue.”

After work: Edinburgh – “I have been stopped in the street going home and verbally abused by a family member of a shoplifter that I had caught previously that day. I feel very uncomfortable being put in that situation as these people know where I live and are known to be violent!” Irvine – “Got threatened to be done away with because I closing the store!” Glasgow – “Threat to be stabbed, have car smashed up, to be met when finished work, called names, spat at. The list goes on”.

Scottish shopworkers are abused, threatened or assaulted on average over 17 times a year

Usdaw calls on MSPs to back Daniel Johnson’s Bill

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has today released shocking statistics from their annual survey which shows that an average Scottish shopworker is verbally abused, threatened or assaulted 17 times a year, which is more than ONCE EVERY THREE WEEKS.

While not all shopworkers suffer to this extent, some experience much higher levels of abuse, threats and violence. Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ survey of over 1,000 retail staff shows that this year:

  • Over 60% of Scottish shopworkers experienced verbal abuse,
  • 32% were threatened by a customer,
  • 2.3% were assaulted, which amounts to more than 15 assaults every day across all of Scotland’s shopworkers.

Usdaw has called on the Scottish Government to back the Protection of Workers Bill promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), which has been formally lodged with the Parliament today after an extensive consultation process.

The Bill seeks to provide additional protections for retail staff, including those who sell age-restricted items. It is overwhelmingly backed by shopworkers and supported by the Scottish Retail Consortium, Co-op and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation.

Daniel Johnson MSP said: “I am delighted to see my bill officially introduced at the Scottish Parliament today after a meaningful consultation and drafting process. Abuse and threatening behaviour should not be part of the job, and with the busy Christmas shopping season fast approaching it is now more important than ever that this is recognised.

“I believe this bill will secure the rights of all those workers who feel threatened at their place of work and will make it clear that such behaviour will not and should not be tolerated. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Usdaw and all those other trade unions and organisations that have worked with me and look forward to speaking with parliamentary colleagues as the bill makes its way through the necessary parliamentary stages.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary said: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers is totally unacceptable and we want the Scottish Government to act by supporting Daniel Johnson’s Bill.

“The statistics are shocking, showing that on average a Scottish shopworker can end up on the wrong side of a verbal or physical assault more than once every three weeks. Our message is clear, abuse is not a part of the job.

“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail staff about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with employers to promote respect.

“There needs to be a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, the judiciary and most importantly criminals. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”

Jim McFedries, Scotmid Co-operative’s Head of Profit Protection, said: “Scotmid fully supports and welcomes the introduction of new legislation which will protect our colleagues from violence and abuse.

“Throughout this process, we’ve backed Daniel Johnson MSP’s Private Members Bill because it is time to put a stop to these alarming incidents that happen in our stores and across the industry.

“As a community convenience retailer, we strongly believe our staff should not be subjected to violence or anti-social behaviour when they are simply just doing their jobs. We strongly believe the introduction of this Private Members Bill will take a giant stride towards eradicating this ongoing issue for our colleagues and ultimately lead to a positive change.”

David Lonsdale – Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium says: “Incidents of abuse or violence towards retail employees is a growing problem, commonly triggered by shopworkers delivering what the State increasingly asks of them: enforcing age-restriction policies, refusing to serve intoxicated customers, or dealing with shop thieves.

“This abuse and violence is utterly deplorable. These are not victimless crimes, they have a huge impact on the skilled, passionate and determined individuals who make our industry such a vibrant place to work, and comes despite record spending by retailers on crime prevention. That’s why we are urging MSPs to respond positively and get behind Daniel Johnson’s Bill, to bring sentencing law into line with the reality on the ground.”

Voices from the Scottish frontline: As part of Usdaw’s survey of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers, respondents have the opportunity to feed back their experiences. Here are some examples from Scotland:

Alcohol:

Aberdeen – “Customer under influence refused alcohol and become abusive and threatened staff.”

Bellshill – “Because Scottish licencing laws are not clear to customers, I receive abuse on a regular occurrence.”

Irvine – “Daily abuse from customers under the influence of drugs and alcohol”.

Glasgow – “Couldn’t sell alcohol before 10 am got an earful and told I’d ruined her life.”

Aberdeenshire – “Refused customer alcohol as they were drunk they tried to grab my hair and grabbed hold of my shirt”

Age-restricted sales: 

Broxburn – “Customers very aggressive when refused sale of age restricted products, particularly alcohol.  They think it’s ok to shout and swear at you using language that is disgusting and personal insults.”

Fife – “ID’d someone who looked about 19, called a ‘ginger c**t’.”

Fraserburgh – “Refused customer cigarettes and they started shouting and swearing”.

Stranraer – “I was sworn at when I refused sale of  a  resisted item without ID”.

Throwing goods:

Inverurie – “Customer threw items of their shopping at me as they were unhappy about the price”

Aberdeen – “I asked some youths to leave the store and they started throwing things at me.”

Dalkeith – “One time a customer threw a computer at the manager.”

Stenhousemuir – “His scotch pie, was not hot, he threw it back st me, and it hit my face.”

Sexual harassment: 

Fife – “Customer talking to members of staff inappropriately forcing members to be feel uncomfortable”

Moray coast – “Usually more sexual harassment that makes me feel extremely threatened and unsafe”

Glasgow – “Got flashed by a customer, have had customers grab me and comment on my breasts.”

Shoplifters:

Fife – “Shoplifter tried to head-butt me”

Braehead – “Chasing shoplifters – threatened with knife and syringes”

Glasgow – “Shoplifter tried to head butt and kick me whilst he was being detained. Threatened to find my family using social media and slash their faces.”

Belittling:

Wick – “Asked if I was stupid, spoken to like a child.”

Dumfries – “I was asked if I was a  normal person or not.”

Dunfermline – “A customer once told me he wished I’d go away and kill myself for trying to do my job helping him”

Glasgow – “I have been called a fat cow and a jobs worth from shoplifters”.

Assault:

Dingwall – “One customer elbowed me on purpose when I went past”

Greenock – “Was attacked and a fag stubbed out on my face.”

Stirling – “Shoplifter pushed me over dislocating shoulder”.

Verbal abuse:

Dundee – “I have had customers shout at me if something doesn’t go right and called many names, such as b***h and c**t”

Inverness – “A Woman was very upset about  our  lack of 10p bags and got verbally abusive.”

Kilmarnock – “People being rude and bad mannered if they have to wait more than a minute in a queue”.

After work:

Edinburgh – “I have been stopped in the street going home and verbally abused by a family member of a shoplifter that  I had caught previously that day. I feel very uncomfortable being put in that situation as these people know where I live and are known to be violent!”

Irvine – “Got threatened to be done away with because I closing the store!”

Glasgow – “Threat to be stabbed, have car smashed up, to be met when finished work, called names, spat at. The list goes on”.

 

 

 

Scottish Retail Consortium and Usdaw unite to discuss the state of Scotland’s high streets

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has met with the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) to discuss the ongoing and growing crisis on Scotland’s high streets. Both organisations agreed that there is an urgent need for government action and an industrial strategy for retail. Continue reading Scottish Retail Consortium and Usdaw unite to discuss the state of Scotland’s high streets

Ne’er Day campaign escalates as Usdaw makes the case for closing large shops on 1 January

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has published the results of an extensive survey of Scottish retail staff, who overwhelmingly back the closure of large shops on New Year’s Day, and is calling on all MSPs to support the motion tabled by Jackie Baillie MSP in the Scottish Parliament.

Usdaw’s survey of over 1,000 shopworkers in Scotland found that:

  • Three quarters feel they spend too little time with friends and family over New Year.
  • 72% have come under pressure to work on New Year’s Day or 2 January.
  • Four in ten don’t receive any premium pay for working on New Year’s Day.
  • 79% are not happy to work on New Year’s Day or 2 January.

The full survey results can be viewed at: www.usdaw.org.uk/NYDSurvey

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer says: “This survey clearly demonstrates the strength feeling among our members. We have today written to all MSPs asking them to support Jackie Baillie’s motion calling for a decent break at New Year after the busy Christmas period.

“I have also written to the Scottish Retail Consortium urging them to reconsider their opposition to large stores closing on New Year’s Day. Usdaw does not accept that giving retail workers in large stores just one more day of guaranteed time off would have a negative impact on our high streets. 72% of our members who worked on New Year’s Day 2019 said that their store was either very quiet or fairly quiet.

“Usdaw is fully supportive of efforts to revitalise Scotland’s high streets. The livelihoods of our members depend on a thriving retail sector. That is why we are calling on the Government to implement an industrial strategy for retail and to take action on a whole range of issues, from business rates to parking charges and public transport, in order to breathe life back into the industry. We are seeking to work with the Scottish Retail Consortium, so we can tackle these issues together.”

Jackie Baillie MSP, (Scottish Labour, Dumbarton) said: “Retail staff work incredibly hard all year round, and are often on their feet for long shifts. Christmas and New Year is a time which should be spent with family, and there are few days in the year when families are off at the same time.

“The results of Usdaw’s survey show that the overwhelming majority of respondents want to spend more time with their families during Christmas and New Year.

“I hope that all of my MSP colleagues will recognise that everyone deserves a day off for New Year and will support the motion that I have tabled in the Scottish Parliament.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “We are very grateful to Jackie Baillie MSP for the support she is giving to our members and this campaign. New Year is a special holiday in Scotland, but this is not reflected in the experience of many retail workers.

“Under the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007, Scottish Ministers may, by statutory instrument, ban large shops from opening on New Year’s Day, subject to consultation.

“On behalf of Scotland’s retail workers, we are urging the Scottish Government to open that consultation and for MSPs to listen to shopworkers concerns about their work/life balance.”