Tougher Penalties On The Way For Assaults On Workers

People who assault workers in Scotland could get tougher penalties if a new bill is successful.

The Workers (Aggravated Offences) Bill is being brought by Hugh Henry MSP, and is due to be drafted by early May 2010. It  is supported by unions such as Usdaw, Unite, Unison, CWU and ASLEF. 

The Bill calls for the assault of workers such as shopworkers to be recognised as an aggravated crime, as it currently is for frontline workers such as the emergency services. The USDAW union is also campaigning for the same protection for workers in England and Wales.

Henry said:
“Violent physical assaults against workers serving the public in Scotland are an all too common phenomenon. While progress has been made in strengthening criminal penalties for assaults against some workers, too many still lack sufficient protection at work.

The Emergency Workers Act 2005 sought to provide additional protection to certain groups of workers by introducing tougher penalties for those found guilty of assaulting, hindering or obstructing those workers. This proposed legislation seeks to apply the protections contained within the Emergency Workers Act to any worker who provides a face-to-face service to the public.”

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:

“Shopworkers provide a vital service to the public, but they are all too often seen as an easy target for violence and abuse. Our latest survey showed that one in ten shopworkers has been assaulted whilst at work.
“Usdaw is supporting Hugh Henry’s bill through the Scottish parliament and we have started campaigning for a similar law in England and Wales.”

Source: Workplace Law Network

Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Union Safety Services