Retailers are being encouraged to stress the importance of safety on government following a successful first stage towards the introduction of a Protection of Shopworkers Bill in Scotland.
The comments come after a consultation into the proposed bill attracted more than 1,300 responses from shopkeepers and individuals, with 95% in favour of the bill that will increase the protection given by criminal law for workers.
The bill, initiated by Labour MSP Daniel Johnson, garnered the support of 18 MSPs needed to progress it through Holyrood, and was officially lodged earlier this month.
Fife shopkeeper Ferhan Ashiq, who attended an all-parliamentary group meeting on behalf of the NFRN's Scottish district last month where the bill was discussed, said: “The signs are good, but this doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. We are going to have to galvanise even more support at the next stage.”
David Woodrow, owner of Woodrow’s in Bishopton, said while support from Labour, Conservative and the Green Party had been strong, more lobbying was needed to gather SNP support. “Retailers need to contact their MSPs and highlight the issue of violence against shopworkers. We need their support,” he said.
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