A LOCAL MSP is getting behind proposals to better protect shopworkers who face abuse, harassment and violence following “shocking” statistics.

Mary Fee MSP is supporting a Bill, lodged in the Scottish Parliament, to provide additional protection for retail staff and those who sell age-restricted items.

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) released figures showing an average Scottish shopworker is verbally abused, threatened or assaulted 17 times a year - more than once every three weeks.

In response to Usdaw’s survey of retail workers, a respondent from Glasgow said: “A shoplifter tried to head butt and kick me whilst he was being detained. He threatened to find my family using social media and slash their faces.”

Another said: “Got flashed by a customer, have had customers grab me and comment on my breasts.”

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill was launched on October 10, with backing from Usdaw, Scottish Retail Consortium and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation.

Scottish Labour’s Mary Fee MSP, a former retail employee, has vowed to back the Bill to ensure that workers in retail and those selling age-restricted items, such as bar and restaurant workers, have more protection to prevent abuse and violence that many in the industry suffer.

Retail is Scotland’s largest private sector industry, with an estimated 260,000 employed, with hospitality employing around 115,000 people.

This means around 375,000 Scots could be given further protection from abuse at their workplace.

Statistics released by Usdaw show that over 60 per cent of shopworkers experienced verbal abuse, 32 per cent were threatened by customers and 2.3 per cent were assaulted.

Commenting on the publication of the Bill, Mary Fee MSP said: “Having worked in retail I know first-hand the abuse, harassment and violence that many in the industry face every day. That is why I am backing the new Bill to protect retail workers.

“It is shocking that the majority of retail staff and staff selling age-restricted goods face such abuse and threatening behaviour. We must end this and ensure that people go to work and feel safe.

“I congratulate my colleague Daniel Johnson MSP who has worked with trade unions and retail industry groups to launch this Bill and gather widespread support.”

Daniel Johnson MSP said: “Abuse and threatening behaviour should not be part of the job, and with the busy Christmas shopping season fast approaching it is now more important than ever that this is recognised.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, added: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers is totally unacceptable and we want the Scottish Government to act by supporting Daniel Johnson’s Bill.

“The statistics are shocking, showing that on average a Scottish shopworker can end up on the wrong side of a verbal or physical assault more than once every three weeks. Our message is clear, abuse is not a part of the job.

“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough, and there is still a lot to do to help protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse.”