It is clear that those working in betting shops on their own are 'lone workers' as defined by HSE guidance, although there is no legal duty towards lone workers it will be covered within other aspects of the law. Hence their health, safety and welfare must be considered and steps taken to identify those risks and controls. I suspect it is the practicalities of working in a shop which makes it all the more difficult - for example, taking personal needs breaks and lunch break. I suggest the best solutions will be found in meaningful discussions with those working in the betting shops. In all probability there will be the need for some 'give and take' to find the most pragmatic solutions.

Thomson 26243, Although there is no general legal prohibition on working alone, there are statutory and civil liabilities to consider. A good starting point for practical advice is to download the free copy of: 'INDG 73 - Working alone in Safety -Controlling the risks of solitary work'. The important issue for your employer is that they undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of its betting shop operations and then formulate appropriate controls to ensure the health and safety of its employees (i.e. Dealing with the public, handling potentially large sums of money, etc); and to also ensure that non-employees (i.e. Customers, general public, deliveries, contractors, etc) are not exposed to risk resulting from how they conduct their undertakings. This will include an organisation's emergency arrangements e.g. First-aid, fire, security. Of course all the above is qualified to the standard 'reasonably practicable'. Advice already provided by a fellow member is also very relevant. The health of employees must always be considered. This will include welfare facilities and time allowed for rest breaks, hours worked, etc (Relevant resource:- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; The Working Time Regulations 1998).

Hiya is this a major chain or a independant Bookmaker?

Hahahahah Brill !!!! In a betting shop, are the employee(s) not behind a screen as in the banks?? But this is a bit different, you would have to time between multiple races to run for a 'p' or get a bite to eat....But in saying that there must be more than one employee round where I live because there is always a member of staff outside the door smoking.

what ever happens you will be at odds with the bookmaker.

The HSE have some specific guidance and information on betting shops and have produced a toolkit for use in preventing violence in licensed premises. Unless there are good safety /security measures in place then I would hope your Local EHOs would offer advice if asked or take enforcement action if they find the situation as described.