Employers in May Day alert

Employers have been drawing
up plans to protect staff and customers during the anti-capitalist marches
scheduled for May Day.

Activists have dubbed
this year’s demonstration as "May Day Monopoly" after the property buying
board game. Demonstration organisers have distributed a game guide on the
Internet, identifying targets on the famous Monopoly streets (www.maydaymonopoly.net).

On Oxford Street, for
example, Carphone Warehouse is highlighted, with, "Sells Vodafone, key
players in pushing for the construction of the Newbury by-pass."

Coutts & Co and
the Savoy Hotel are listed on the Strand, with the comment, "Where rich
and famous scum stay."

Peta Clifton, senior
HR manager at Carphone Warehouse, said the company is taking the threat
seriously. Last year, its branch on the Strand was damaged. The company has
taken advice from the police and branch managers have been briefed to secure
employees and customers within the branch if there is any sign of violence.

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The retailer’s staff
working on or adjacent to the route, such as its loss prevention team, will be
kept informed on the day of the demonstration’s progress.

They have been
provided with emergency contact numbers, and all branch security measures,
including CCTV cameras, have been tested.