The Fed has presented Daniel Johnson MSP with an award in recognition of his determination to get the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill passed by the Scottish parliament.
The new legislation came into force in August 2021, making it a specific offence to verbally or physically attack shop workers.
The Fed fully supported the Bill through all its stages, and recognised Johnson’s efforts by presenting him with a quaich in the grounds of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, March 30.
The quaich is Scotland’s cup of friendship and has been used through the centuries to offer a welcoming drink at clan gatherings and other family occasions, as well as to friends and visitors.
The two-handed design of the drinking vessel incorporates trust, on the part of both giver and receiver.
Neil Hanna Photography
The award was presented by the outgoing Fed Scottish president Ferhan Ashiq and Jim Maitland, who is member of the Fed’s Scottish public affairs committee.
“I was extremely proud and honoured to have recognised the immense efforts made by Daniel Johnson in initiating the new shop workers’ law and presenting him with a quaich.
“The law records retail crime for the first time, thereby giving us the correct tools that will hopefully lead to prosecutions," Ashiq said.
“As a former shopkeeper, I am delighted to receive this award from the Fed.
“I created my Bill to keep retail workers safe and to remind us all that abuse is never part of the job. That is why I am so happy to have the Bill recognised by the Fed in this way.
“The Fed has always championed independent retail, a sector hit hard by the pandemic. I am proud to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation," Johnson said.
