MP urges shoppers to keep cool

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is backing an appeal from the shopworkers union Usdaw for shoppers to “keep their cool” in the run up to Christmas.
The union has launched a campaign to cut down the abuse and assaults suffered by shop staff during the festive shopping period.
Ms Jones (pictured) said: “I am shocked that Usdaw’s most recent survey shows that two
thirds of shop staff have been abused in the last year and nearly 10 per cent have suffered physical assault.
“A major cause is angry customers and reports of ‘trolley rage’ incidents are on the increase. Shop staff tell me that Christmas time is when they suffer most anger and abuse.
“Christmas shopping can be exciting but also stressful. It is important that people don’t take out their frustration on shop staff who have to work hard, often for long hours, at this time of year when shops are at their busiest.
“Both verbal abuse and threats are unacceptable and I am encouraging retailers and the police in Warrington to work together to make sure that the anti-social behaviour measures available to them are used to protect shop staff.”
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said:”Shopworkers in Warrington are delighted to have the support of Helen Jones for our campaign. Too many customers seem to forget that shop staff have feelings too, and treat them without any respect.
“Christmas can be a very stressful time, but we are calling on all customers to think twice before they abuse staff, and by staying calm they will help retailers to give them a better service and both shoppers and staff can all enjoy Christmas shopping.”