MSP Michael McMahon has teamed up with the trade union Community to launch a new campaign highlighting the unacceptability of violence against betting shop workers.
Reporting: IAN MacLEAN
The launch of the safety poster campaign took place at the Ladbrokes betting shop in Hamilton Road, Bellshill, kicking off a series of events which will be held throughout Scotland to get the message across.
The campaign ha
s the support and backing of the Scottish TUC, Retailers Against Crime, the Scottish Government Safer Scotland Campaign and the Health and Safety Executive.
There are currently around 900 betting shops in Scotland which employ around 4,500 staff.
Mr McMahon said: "Although betting can be a source of pleasure and harmless fun to many people, it is becoming all too often the case that those who work in the industry suffer at the hands of those for whom betting is a serious problem.
"Whether the anger directed at betting shop staff is the result of frustration, excessive alcohol consumption or any other unreasonable attitude, it is not acceptable.
"I congratulate Community for speaking out on this issue and I am happy to join with them in raising awareness of this increasing problem."
Community Scottish organiser Ian Telford added: "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. We hope this campaign will improve working people's lives."
