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A new bill is being supported by Hugh Henry MSP for protection of workers who are at higher risk of assault owing to the nature of their jobs. People working in jobs which bring them face to face with many customers will be protected by the provisions of this bill.

The jurisdiction of the bill will currently encompass Scotland but the changes are being sought in England and Wales too. If passed successfully the bill will help workers in the forefront of many services get strong legal support in case of physical ill-treatment at work.

The Workers (Aggravated Offences) Bill is due to be drafted by the middle of the year. It has understandably found huge support from employee unions including Unite, USDAW, CWU, Unison and ASLEF. According to the provisions mentioned, assault of workers will be considered an aggravated crime similar to assault on emergency service providers. These protective legislative measures are being pushed for by USDAW for frontline workers in other regions too.

Speaking about the bill, Henry clarified that such unfortunate incidents of assault are happening much too frequently in Scotland. Although serious criminal penalties are in place here, these are not applicable to all workers who need to face the public during the course of their work. The earlier Emergency Workers Act 2005 brought in strict penalties for assault of certain types of workers and this new bill aims at extending the purview of these provisions to more workers.

The USDAW General Secretary John Hannett welcomed the new bill and pointed out that the statistics revealed by a survey which showed that one in ten shopkeepers were assaulted at work, underlined the need for this bill.

The integration of good health and safety management systems is an essential principle of any business. Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. NEBOSH courses leading to a National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, from Workplace Law are designed to give managers and supervisors all they need to know to help their organisation find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety.