As Community members are already aware, prior to Christmas the government minister James Purnell chaired a meeting between Community Trade Union, the Police and representatives from the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB). The meeting was held to discuss the growing problem of Health and Safety and the personal security concerns of our members working in betting shops.
The meeting followed on from Community’s launch of the minimum standards campaign for safer shops. Since that first round table discussions a number of further meetings have taken place with ministers and Community is ensuring that the concerns of our members are being taken on board by government.
Community also continues to campaign for a safer working environment throughout UK. A meeting has been planned at the Scottish Parliament with the Justice Minister, the ABB and a number of stakeholders to address the issue of shop safety and how the industry can be made safer. Community’s campaign for minimum standards has also gained support from members of the Greater London Assembly (GLA).
GLA member John Biggs recently tabled a motion explaining that although the unprecedented increase in violence and robberies in betting shops “may be a matter outside the experience of most Londoners, the fact that betting shop employees are not offered the support and protection many other employees in London take for granted is a matter of concern to us all”. Biggs’ motion goes on to demand the “end of single staffing in betting shops and improvements in betting shop security”.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Police strongly advise against many of the daily duties that betting shop workers are required to carry out, including lone person working and banking practices. The recent increases in violence and abuse are unprecedented and bookmakers must do more to protect and support staff. Community is demonstrating that our members concerns is being heard by government .
The simple fact is that no employer will be allowed gamble with our members safety at work!