NOVEMBER 11 to 17 was the annual Respect for Shopworkers Week, organised by Usdaw, the trade union for retail workers.

The week aims to help raise awareness of the levels of abuse, threats and violence faced by workers in the retail and distribution sector. Despite the good work being undertaken by employers and unions to try and tackle this issue, it clearly remains a huge problem across Scotland.

This year, I was invited by the Co-op to visit a local store to hear more about the challenges it faces dealing with issues such as shoplifting and workplace violence, and the impact this has on its workforce. Co-op representatives told me that in 2023, they saw a rise of 34 per cent in physical attacks on staff compared to 2022, while all retailers are experiencing an increase in shoplifting.

The Protection of Workers Act, introduced by my Labour colleague Daniel Johnson, came into force in 2021. By February this year, more than 500 people had been convicted under the new legislation.

It is only a small minority of people, often driven by addiction or organised crime, who are abusive or violent, with most customers being respectful to retail staff. However, any assault or other violent or abusive incident in shops is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. So, as we approach the busiest time of the year for retailers, please be supportive of shopworkers and other retail staff.

Following my Co-op visit, I was pleased to meet with representatives of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM). Founded and located in Haddington, BSLM is a locally based charity with international reach which promotes the role of lifestyle medicine in improving people’s health and wellbeing.

Lifestyle medicine is evidence-based, clinical care that supports behaviour change through person-centred techniques to improve mental wellbeing, social connection, healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and minimisation of harmful substances and behaviours. Find out more about BSLM at bslm.org.uk