DUMBARTON MSP Jackie Baillie welcomed members of the shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw to the Scottish Parliament during the annual Respect for Shopworkers Week.

Interim results of Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Survey reveal that nearly one in ten shopworkers have been assaulted in the course of their duties, but almost a third of them didn’t report the incident.

In the last twelve months nearly half of shopworkers were verbally abused and a quarter were threatened. The survey continues and full results will be released in the New Year.

MS Baillie said: “I was delighted to welcome Usdaw and their members working in retail to the Parliament. They explained the need for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers; a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, Procurator Fiscals, the judiciary and most importantly criminals.

“I join with Usdaw in asking the public to ‘keep their cool and respect shopworkers’. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected.”

Lawrence Wason, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, added: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers is one of the great scourges of our society. The statistics are shocking and show that urgent action is required.

“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers. Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Campaign seeks to tackle violence, threats and abuse against retail staff by working with employers to promote respect and make shops safer for staff and customers alike.