HC Deb 19 September 2003 vol 410 cc1251-2W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers on its campaign to try to prevent violence against shop workers.[130580]

Ms Blears

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has accepted an invitation from the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) to attend the launch of their "National Respect for Shop Workers" day which took place on 17 September 2003. Separate meetings are being held by Home Office Ministers with USDAW representatives.

The Government are very grateful to USDAW for the work it has undertaken to raise awareness of this issue. We fully understand the detrimental effect crime against business has throughout the community and the damaging effect on people's lives, their businesses and their families. Any form of violence is totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated.