UK Newsagent chain prosecuted after exposing staff to violence

Martin McColls Ltd were fined £150,000 and ordered to pay costs of £78,000 for 6 breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The breaches relate to the business’s failure to protect their employees from the risks posed by workplace violence.

The case follows a lengthy investigation by officers of Wirral Council’s Environmental Health team into 6 violent robberies at 4 branches of McColls in Wirral between 26^th April 2011 and 2^nd January 2012.

Speaking after sentencing, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Councillor Bernie Mooney said:

“In undertaking its regulatory functions the Council seeks to work closely with businesses to secure compliance with legislation that safeguards health and safety. Where appropriate, we will not hesitate to take formal action through the courts where businesses fail to comply with their duties to protect their employees.

“This case sends a clear message that it is vital for employers to seriously assess the risk of workplace violence and put reasonable control measures in place to protect both their customers and employees.”