Employers in Newcastle could be forced to offer free transport to late-night staff, under plans to protect workers from sickening harassment and violence.
City bosses have taken steps towards requiring venues to ensure their employees, particularly women and hospitality workers, can get home safely after their shift. Newcastle City Council unanimously agreed on Wednesday night to develop a new policy that will make the granting of new late night licences dependent on venues putting on free transport for staff after 11.30pm, in an effort to protect people who cannot afford a taxi fare and are often forced to walk home.
Labour council leader Nick Kemp told colleagues that incidents like stalking and sexual assault “sadly all to common” for late night workers. He said it was a “fundamental right” to be able to go to and from work safely and pledged that the council would actively encourage all employers in the city to commit to the safe travel offer.
