Casino Workers Gamble With Health

Casino workers in Scotland are risking their health due to long hours and poor working conditions, it is claimed.

The damning report comes as Glasgow bids for a licence to operate a Las Vegas-style super casino.

It reveals how croupiers at the city's five casinos suffer back and neck problems, while a fifth suffer numbness and tingling in their hands because of pressure on nerves.

Most workers also complained of chronic fatigue and sleep disturbance, while the GMB union's study revealed a shock rise in violence since 2003, with assaults trebling.

Incidents nationally involving racial harassment have also doubled over the last three years, and two out of five female staff surveyed had been sexually harassed.

Staff also claim managers allow big-spending players to abuse and threaten them.

Richard Leonard, of the GMB, said: "Casinos are seen as glamorous, but the view from the inside is radically different. It's time operators working with Government and the trade unions and cleaned up their act. If they do not they will see not only poorly motivated workers but hefty damages claims too."

The GMB wants casino operators to introduce a zero tolerance policy for all customers who are abusive or threatening to staff. It also wants 12-hour shifts scrapped, and regular and longer rest breaks.

The union is also worried about the range of medical complaints from staff - whose average age is 34 - and wants managers to introduce routine health checks.

Up to 1000 workers are employed in Scotland's 12 casinos with 500 people working in Glasgow.

Mr Leonard said: "The biggest response by far to our study came from Glasgow, which is another reason why we hope this sector gets its house in order before the Government decides where Britain's first super-sized casino is to be based."

Gala, which operates four casinos in Glasgow, said it didn't want to comment on the GMB study.