IT IS staggering that so many people think it is OK to abuse, threaten and assault workers in the middle of a pandemic and the greatest national crisis most of us have ever experienced. 

Usdaw’s survey of shopworkers during the coronavirus emergency found that abuse of shopworkers had doubled as compared with last year. 

Many of our members identified that the main triggers are enforcing safety measures like social distancing, limiting the number of customers in-store and the wearing of face coverings.

Key workers delivering essential services are going into work to keep the country fed. 

They are obviously worried about contracting the virus and taking it home to their family, but they regularly suffer abuse for simply doing their job and keeping the store safe.

We know that it is a minority of customers who behave this way, and shopworkers welcome the support and appreciation of the majority. 

However, this is not a new problem and it is long overdue for the government to take action by strengthening the law to protect retail staff.

That is why we have launched a parliamentary petition, which is fast gaining support. 

That is no surprise, because this is a hugely important issue for our members. 

They are saying loud and clear that enough is enough — abuse should never be just a part of the job.

The petition can be signed at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/328621 and Usdaw continues to campaign for the 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a parliamentary debate. 

Our members would very much appreciate the support of Morning Star readers.

I urge the government to respond positively, listen to the voices of shopworkers and commit to legislating for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers. 

We need a simple standalone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the judiciary and, most importantly, criminals.

Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.

Job security is also deeply concerning, with retail now suffering more job losses than any other employment sector. 

The government must act before it is too late. They really have to decide whether they are going to intervene to save our high streets or let them go to the wall. 

What the retail sector needs is a tripartite approach of the government, unions and employers working together to develop a much-needed retail recovery plan. 

We have long called for an industrial strategy for retail to help a sector that was already struggling before the coronavirus emergency. Now the situation is much worse.

The government has launched a consultation about the future of business rates, but this review is low-key and the concern must be that the government is looking at tweaking the current system as opposed to adopting the radical changes needed to reflect how consumers buy goods in the 21st century.

Alongside business-rates reform, there must also be an immediate and comprehensive review of rental values and lease arrangements. 

Long overdue is a reform of British tax law to ensure that companies pay their fair share of tax. 

The government must tackle tax avoidance and the use of offshore havens, with the aim of creating a level playing field between online and high-street retailers.

We cannot revive our high streets if core services continue to be undermined, so there needs to be significant funding available for local authorities to invest in their local economy, transport networks and shopping areas. 

Improving productivity requires investment in skills for retail workers, through union learning and high-quality apprenticeships. 

This should include an in-depth assessment of emerging trends and potential skills shortages and gaps within the sector.

That investment in staff must be accompanied by a new deal for retail, distribution and home-delivery workers based around a real living wage, an end to insecure employment and a fundamental reform of workplace rights.

As Usdaw looks past the Covid-19 crisis, it is time for the government, employers and the public to recognise that too many workers have been undervalued for too long. 

Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued. 

They deserve dignity and respect at work, secure employment and better pay. They deserve a new deal.