A FIFE MSP has backed a trade union’s call for action to combat violence against betting shop staff.

Labour’s John Park was joined in Rosyth by Community’s Scottish organiser Ian Telford to highlight the issue.

The union’s campaign features a poster showing a woman with bright yellow crime-scene tape on her face.

It bears the legend: SP on the man who spat at her—£500 fine.

Mr Park, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said, “I am pleased to be supporting Community’s campaign to challenge violence against workers in betting shops.

“These incidents have an impact on staff, their families and the whole community.

“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.”

Yesterday’s event was the first in a series planned to highlight the problem. Community is to launch the campaign nationally at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

It already has the support of the Scottish TUC, Retailers Against Crime, the Scottish Government’s Safer Scotland Campaign and the Health and Safety Executive.

There are thought to be in the region of 900 bookmakers in Scotland and about 4500 people employed in the industry.

Mr Telford said, “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.

“We hope this campaign will improve working people’s lives.”