David Blunkett

The home secretary has given his backing to a campaign highlighting the growing number of attacks against shopworkers.

On Wednesday retail union USDAW is holding its "national respect for shopworkers day", highlighting the increasing trend of violence against shop staff.

The day will include stalls in towns and shopping centres across the UK, and is being backed by David Blunkett and prime minister Tony Blair.

In an interview with ePolitix.com, USDAW deputy general secretary John Hannett said the campaign was necessary because many members were now "frightened to go to work".

"Some of our members work in convenience stores, with low staffing, located in areas with anti-social behaviour problems," he said.

"But it would be inappropriate just to say it is only those areas. In rural and urban areas there are career criminals who are prepared to steal - sometimes to feed a drug habit. Most violence against shopworkers stems from staff trying to stop thieves.

"But also there is the whole issue of respect. While the customer is king, in the sense of the service that is expected, some people feel a shopworker can be spoken to in a manner that is unacceptable."

The union has called for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to be improved for victims of violence in Britain's shops. And it has called for the government to make retail crime a key performance indicator for the police.

"What we have got is different examples of the police response. Sometimes the police are very good. Sometimes it is seen as a victimless crime and is given a low priority," Hannett told this website.

Giving his backing to the campaign, the home secretary said the level of assaults on retail staff was "unacceptable".

And with the retail sector playing a major part in Britain's economy, "its success and the safety of its workforce go hand in hand" Blunkett added.