Darren Barrenger, community activist and former parliamentary candidate

On Wednesday 4^th November, Darren joined USDAW reps to campaign at Morrison’s in Dovercourt as part of the “Respect for Shopkeepers Week.”

In response to a survey by the British Retail Consortium that during every minute of the working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked, USDAW (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) has established a “Freedom from Fear” Campaign. This simple campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.

Darren said

“As many people look forward to the delights of Christmas, particularly those like myself who are gifted with children, others do so with feelings of anxiety and even dread. The current recession will mean that Christmas will be an even more difficult time for some as they feel the pressure of the consumer tide.

Christmas trading can be an exciting and busy time for shopworkers but it can also be a time of increased risk of violence and abuse. The campaign helps to ensure that workers are prepared to cope with the increased pressure and also to deal with the unfortunate effects of anti social and criminal behaviour, particularly during these busy times.

However we all have a part to play in ensuring that respect is shown to all shopworkers with these three simple tips:

• Ask for help – shopworkers will help if customers ask
• Stay relaxed – it’s easier to help customers who are calm
• Remember – shopworkers have feelings too

So however stressful you may feel during this time in particular, try and keep your cool at Christmas and respect Shopworkers.”