SHOP workers must be protected and respected now that most stores have reopened, their union said today.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis spoke out about the welfare of staff as all non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen yesterday for the first time in more than two months following the government’s easing of lockdown.

In England’s biggest cities, long queues were seen forming outside shops from as early as 6am, with measures including hand sanitisers on the streets and social-distancing “ambassadors.”