MSP Jackie Baillie has backed calls from shop-workers’ union USDAW for more action to tackle violence and abuse against retail staff in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh.

The Scottish Labour MSP was speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament on issues around violence at work for retail and bar staff, ahead of the annual 'Respect for Shopworkers Week'.

Ms Baillie will be supporting a new Member’s Bill on protecting workers from violence and abuse when, in the course of their job, they have to ask for ID.

Incidents of violence and abuse have risen sharply over recent years, and according to the Scottish Retail Crime Survey, rose by 40 per cent in the last year.

Many of the violent incidents are triggered by refusal of sale when a customer cannot prove their age when purchasing age-restricted products like alcohol or tobacco.

Ms Baillie said: “As a proud member of the USDAW union, I am determined to stand up for the rights of retail workers in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh.

“Abuse should not be part of a shopworker’s job and nobody should face the possibility of being threatened when they go to work. Nevertheless, abuse has become part of everyday working life for too many workers in the retail sector. They face regular threats and abusive behaviour from customers, and it is simply not good enough.

“As we approach Black Friday and the busy Christmas shopping period, it is important that we send out a clear message that abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated in shops.”