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A recent investigation by the BBC has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the Ask for Angela safety scheme, which aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger. A pub worker, who spoke anonymously to the broadcaster, warned that the scheme was failing to protect vulnerable women. The worker, known only as “Jack”, claims to have seen failures in the three venues he worked at that were running the initiative. The venues reportedly failed to pass on sufficient training to new employees, and some staff were unaware of the scheme’s existence.
The Ask for Angela initiative involves using the code word “Angela” to signal for help at the bar. Although the scheme is mainly aimed at women, it can be used by anyone feeling unsafe in a participating establishment. The BBC tested 25 pubs, bars and clubs in London that promote their involvement in the scheme. Of these, 13 failed to respond adequately to the code word. Major pub chains were among those that performed poorly.
The findings have provoked a strong response, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan describing them as “shocking and unacceptable”. A government spokesperson stated that they were “deeply concerning”. The initiative has been promoted with significant taxpayer funding. However, Greene King, one of the pub chains that performed poorly in the tests, has pledged to review how the scheme is communicated to its teams. JD Wetherspoon stated that it would provide additional training where necessary.
The Ask for Angela scheme was launched in 2016 in memory of Angela Crompton, who was murdered by her husband. It has been adopted in multiple countries around the world, including Canada and the Netherlands. Its failure to adequately protect women will cause significant concern, and may lead to calls for the scheme to be overhauled
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