WORCESTER MP Mike Foster is backing a campaign to stamp out abuse of retail workers.

The politician joined staff and shoppers at the Co-op supermarket in St John’s, Worcester, to promote Freedom from Fear.

The campaign, organised by shopworkers union Usdaw, highlights the fact that shop workers are often on the receiving end of physical and verbal abuse – particularly during the Christmas period when shoppers tend be more stressed.

Mr Foster, who met with Co-op manager Ron Taylor on Friday, said: “I am asking shoppers to keep their cool at Christmas.

“Shop workers will be working extra hard, under extra pressures, to make Christmas shopping a better experience. I think we should all think twice before venting our frustrations and abusing a shop worker.”

Co-op staff will be handing out stress balls and leaflets as the festive season approaches in a bid to help customers stay calm.

A national survey recently revealed that one in every 10 shopworkers has been physically assaulted while at work, and one in every 10 shopworkers has been physically assaulted while at work and one in three shopworkers has been threatened in the past year.

For more information on the Freedom from Fear campaign visit usdaw.org.uk.