The union for Betting Shop workers

Below is the text of a letter that Community is asking all members to send to their local MP's in support of our Early Day Motion.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Early Day Motion 298

'That this House welcomes the Community Union Minimum Standards Campaign in the betting industry which includes lone working, known as single staffing, training to deal with conflict issues and risk assessments of betting shops; recognises the dangers of single staffing in particular; and calls on all companies running betting shops to ensure that single staffing is not in place and that health and safety are of prime concern.'

As a betting shop employee, I have been exposed to increasing levels of anti-social behavior at work including verbal and physical abuse. Now, my employer Ladbrokes, have decided to introduce mandatory single staffing. This means that I am required to work alone each morning, and for a minimum of three hours on Sunday.

I believe that this dramatically increases the risk of violence and abuse towards betting shops staff. Anti-social behavior in and around betting shops has risen at a frightening rate over the past five years. A recent survey by my Union Community found that 68% feared lone working. One in ten employees have reported being assaulted attempting to enforce minimum age standards with a further three in ten knowing of further assaults.

I ask you to support EDM 298 and help introduce minimum standards in betting shops to protect employees.

Yours Sincerely,