Jim Shannon – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2015-01-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to ensure that shops secure the physical safety of their customers during future Black Friday promotions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Mark Harper

Retailers are responsible for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of customers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

When organising special events such as Black Friday retailers must plan their activities to effectively control and manage risks. Regulation of retail activities sits with the relevant local authority.

The Health and Safety Executive is in discussion with both the retail industry trade associations and Local Authorities about the implications of initiatives such as Black Friday promotions.