A LABOUR MSP has spoken out in support of retail staff in Helensburgh and Lomond during Respect for Shop Workers Week.

Jackie Baillie highlighted the increasing violence faced by shop staff and urged the public to show more respect.

Respect for Shop Workers Week is an initiative in November, backed by the shopworkers' union Usdaw, to promote respect for retail staff.

The year-round Freedom From Fear campaign also raises awareness of the violence against shopworkers.

MSP Jackie Bailie said: "I have been contacted by retail workers in my own constituency, who are concerned about the daily battle they face and the availability of police resources to tackle the issue.

"All retail workers should be free to go about their duties without fear or apprehension over what is likely to unfold in the course of their duties.

"I call on the Scottish Government to adequately resource Police Scotland to ensure they can offer the necessary support to retail workers who are under attack and provide a deterrent for criminals."

Recent figures show a 41 per cent rise in shoplifting since 2014/15, now at its highest level in ten years, contributing to the fear and violence faced by shop workers.

Scottish Government figures reveal that shoplifting has consistently been amongst the two largest categories of crimes of dishonesty over the past decade.

Usdaw's survey showed that 69 per cent of retail staff had experienced verbal abuse, and 45 per cent had been threatened by customers.

Furthermore, 17 per cent of the respondents said they were assaulted.

According to the survey, 70 per cent of these incidents were triggered by shoplifting, with two-thirds linked to addiction.