Dumbarton’s MSP has urged shoppers to show some Christmas spirit towards retail staff this year.

Ahead of the busy run up to the festive season, Jackie Baillie has joined forces with shopworkers’ union, Usdaw.

She has given her backing to this year’s ‘Keep Your Cool’ campaign, which reminds shoppers to respect retail staff, in the face of rising challenges for the profession.

Retail workers – who kept shops running for the public during the pandemic, as key workers – are facing growing challenges to their safety.

Jackie, Dumbarton Constituency’s MSP, said: “I would urge the public to show some festive goodwill towards retail staff as the busy Christmas shopping season approaches.

“We all know how frustrating shopping can be, especially when stores and busy and queues are long.

“However, shopworkers are key workers and kept the nation’s stores running, ensuring access to essential supplies during the pandemic.

“They do a valuable job and should be able to go to work without fear of what they may face during the working day.”

Many shopworkers report being assaulted at work or suffering serious verbal abuse, amidst a rise in retail crime.

The problem has worsened as many cash-strapped police forces fail to investigate cases of retail theft and abuse.

Usdaw’s General Secretary, Paddy Lillis, added: “When stores are busy, customers can get frustrated with queues and stock quickly disappearing off the shelves; too often that can turn into anger towards retail workers.

“Incidents of violence, threats and abuse against retail staff are already worryingly high.

“Interim figures from this year’s Usdaw survey reveal that one in seven of our members working in retail suffered abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“My message to shoppers is clear. Enjoy your bargain hunting, keep your cool and respect retail workers.”