HELENSBURGH’S MSP has highlighted the “awful impact” the Covid-19 outbreak is having on key workers after a trade union survey revealed 70 per cent of retail staff have experienced feelings of stress and anxiety during the lockdown.

A survey by the USDAW union of staff in shops, warehouses and the distribution and delivery sector also revealed many are struggling to cope with the financial impact of the pandemic, while abuse of shop workers has also more than doubled during the crisis.

Jackie Baillie said: “I urge the Scottish Government and business owners to ensure that these committed workers are both supported financially and protected from the increased stress levels caused by Covid-19.

“I ask local people to take a second to thank these workers when you come into contact with them, understand the immense pressure that they are under and never treat them with anything other than respect.

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“Now, more than ever, we are relying on these workers to ensure that we have access to essential provisions and to deliver us food.

“It is concerning that so many are experiencing such levels of anxiety and the fact that abuse of shop workers has doubled is an ugly result of this crisis.”

The survey also revealed many of these key workers were not coping financially with the minimal and low pay that they were receiving, resulting in many applying for additional benefits and Universal Credit.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Retail workers across Scotland are working round the clock to help ensure food and essential items remain available for sale and we applaud their hard work in this unprecedented situation.

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“We have produced detailed guidance for employers and encourage them to take every step possible to protect their employees.

“We understand how important it is that people look after their mental health during and after Covid-19. That is why we have launched the Clear Your Head campaign with support on practical ways in which people across Scotland can manage their mental health during the Covid period.

“We are also investing £3.8 million of extra funding to increase support capacity for services including the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space as well as £1 million towards expanding the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme from its initial four pilots to cover all of Scotland.”

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