The decision by the Scottish Executive to ban smoking in all public places has been praised by the GMB Union in Scotland as a measure that should have a marked an positive effect on the health of casino employees. However, long hours and poor working conditions are still causing concern. As Richard Leonard, GMB Scotland Casino’s Organiser said, commenting on the fact that the average age of casino workers is 34 and they are at the start of careers, “they are already suffering from stress, fatigue and upper limb disorders. Moreover our study shows the very people who should be spending time with young families see all too little of them.”

There was also criticism of the Government in the report published last month, the third biennial survey produced by the Union. Deregulation is seen as making working conditions deteriorate further, with longer shifts and more exposure to abuse. The Union has called for a worker impact assessment by the Scottish Executive and the UK Government. It has also made clear that employers should take a tougher line to eliminate the culture that says the big playing customer is always right, even when exhibiting threatening and abusive behaviour.

The GMB study found that 81% of Scotland’s gaming workers complained of poor air quality leading to respiratory problems and eye and throat irritation. 75% complained of recurrent back and neck ache and 79% of sleep disturbance and chronic fatigue. Since the last study in 2003, assaults on staff have trebled, racial harassment doubled and 40% of women reported sexual harassment. The Union stressed that unless working conditions improved, operators will see not only the present poorly motivated workers but also hefty damage claims in the future. (E-04.04.06)

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