Every minute of the working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked.

"Enough is enough", says West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, as he backed a special week of action.

Shopworkers told Metro Mayor Dan Norris their shocking stories last Wednesday as part of "Respect for Shopworkers Week". The week was designed to support retail workers and ensure the general public understands the key message that abuse is not part of the job.

Sadly, a survey conducted this year showed that 79% of shopworkers felt that abuse had got worse over the last 12 months, especially as workers had to "police" covid rules such as mask wearing and explain to shoppers why products are out of stock.

Dan Norris, who is responsible for jobs and training across the region said: "Shopworkers have been working on the frontline throughout the pandemic, and right now they're preparing for their busiest time of the year as we head towards Christmas.

"They are working night and day to make sure we can buy our turkeys, mince pies and favourite Christmas tipples too.

"It is frankly appalling that some people think it is acceptable to abuse shopworkers.

"It's time for us to recognise what a fantastic job people in shops do and show them the respect they deserve. I'm 100% behind this campaign."

Mr Norris has encouraged shoppers to wear masks in the run up to Christmas to help slow the spread of covid, protect shop workers and our NHS.