Published: Thursday, 21st February, 2008 9:35am

Bookies face increasing violence

Print | Email

INCREASING violence against workers in betting shops has been highlighted at the launch of a campaign in Rosyth.

Local MSP John Park met up with trade union officers representing those at the end of physical and verbal abuse.

The unions say the problems have escalated since the relaxation of licensing laws brought more late night opening.

Bookmakers have undergone a transformation in recent years and the introduction of casino style gaming machines has attracted extra business.

Scottish organiser for Community trade union Ian Telford said, 'Our members can be alone in the shop late at night and targets for robberies. They can feel very vulnerable.

'Physical and verbal abuse against staff in betting shops is on the increase. Abusive behaviour, shouting and swearing can be a criminal offence and we are encouraging staff to report it.

'As a trade union, we are concerned at the unwillingness of some chains to protect their employees and take action to stamp out unacceptable behaviour.

'This can range from insults and threats, to stones and fireworks thrown at the shop to armed robberies.'

His colleague, John Paul McHugh, said, 'Anyone spending a day in a betting shop would see the type of abuse our members are suffering.

'People can take it out on the staff because they"ve lost or they"ve not got their bet on in time.

'It"s a regular occurrence for example for shop workers to have pens thrown at them by customers.

'The problem has got a lot worse over the past three years and we don"t see why these shops have to be open so late in the first place.'

Mr Park said the campaign was aimed at raising awareness of the problem similar to what has happened on the issue of bus drivers being subjected to anti-social behaviour.

'These incidents have an impact on staff, their family and the whole community,' he said.

'It is unacceptable that people have to work in fear of abuse just for doing their job.

'I hope that all bookmakers will display these posters in their premises.'