Shop workers call for more protection from abusive customers

Shop workers are calling for the same protection as NHS staff.

It comes after figures from retail trade union Usdaw showed 69% had experienced verbal abuse, 45% have been threatened by a customer and 17% have been assaulted.

Crian Williams, 46, has worked in retail for more than two decades and says she has been kicked and spat on.

Crian, from Ebbw Vale, said: “I was on a night shift when a young woman, clearly inebriated, came into the store.

“She was trying to steal alcohol, but was caught by the guards before she could leave the store.

“Being the only female on shift I was called to assist the guards, but she kicked me and spat in my face.”