Casino workers health warning

Casino working conditions have been criticised

Long hours and poor working conditions are threatening the health of casino workers, a report says.

The GMB union commissioned the study among casino workers in Scotland.

It found that:

• eight in 10 croupiers suffered from neck ache and back ache
• three out of 10 women reported sexual harassment
• one in five staff complained of violence at work

The union is warning that unless working conditions improve the casino industry could see an exodus of workers.

If Scotland's casino owners don't take action, they could face hefty damages claims in the future

Richard Leonard

It wants an end to 12-hour shifts, regular health checks for all staff, and a health and safety committee set up in every casino.

All 20 staff who responded to the GMB's questionnaire said they suffered from recurrent neck ache or back ache, with all but four complaining of both.

Sleeplessness and nightmares were blamed on working conditions by 13 workers, with digestion problems, loss of appetite and irritability also cited.

Three of the nine women respondents said they had been sexually harassed at work, while a third complained of workplace bullying and one in five said they had experienced violence.

More research

The GMB said it wanted to extend the pilot survey to all casino employees in Scotland in a joint initiative with employers.

Casinos organiser Richard Leonard said: "If Scotland's casino owners don't take action, they could face hefty damages claims in the future.

"By making a few adjustments, the casino owners involved could improve both the health and motivation of their workforce and so help the business.

"This was a pilot survey and we realise the sample is small. However, it is in line with other international research.

"We want to carry out a bigger survey and take further action at the earliest opportunity in the New Year."