SHOP staff are being subjected to an increasing number of attacks, abuse and threats from stressed-out customers, new research has revealed.

Trade union Usdaw is so shocked by the figures it has launched a new campaign, Freedom From Fear, calling for greater respect to be shown to shopworkers.

During one week in June, 100 shopworkers in the South West of England reported receiving a total of 111 incidents of verbal abuse - the second highest in the country.

They also reported 24 incidents of threats, 14 incidents of violence, four incidents of sexual harassment and one of racial abuse.

More than half of the employees surveyed in the South West said they were very or fairly concerned about threats or violence. Forty-eight per cent said they were worried about verbal abuse.

Mike Vincent, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said he was not surprised by the survey results and that problems increased at very busy times, like the run-up to Christmas.

"I don't think it's just restricted to shops, I think it's life in general," he said. "Nobody has any free time any more so there are a lot of stressed people who get wound up very easily.

"It's very concerning but I don't know what can be done about it. Shopworkers deserve to be treated with respect, as do customers."

One Bournemouth shop worker told the Daily Echo: "People don't like waiting to be served, even if it is just for a minute. I try to be polite and say sorry but they still get angry. I wish people would be more patient."

John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, said: "The scale of the problem is astonishing and with over 10 per cent of the UK's workforce being employed in retail, this issue affects a significant number of people.

"I know that many Usdaw members move heaven and earth to deliver a good service but they are doing so in an increasingly hostile and dangerous environment. No-one should go to work in fear of being a victim of abuse or violence."

First published: September 23