'Since coronavirus my job has become hell': Reports of verbal and physical abuse of shopworkers in Derbyshire 'unacceptable'

Hardyal Dhindsa, the county’s police and crime commissioner, has described people working in stores during the pandemic as ‘unsung heroes’ who do not deserve to be abused simply for doing their job in difficult circumstances.

His comments have been welcomed by shopworkers in Derbyshire and union leaders who are urging customers to show more respect to staff.

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Mr Dhindsa said: “In recent weeks shopworkers have been subjected to both verbal and physical abuse simply for complying with government guidance. This is unacceptable. Without these brave people continuing to work we would all have been in a very difficult situation.

“Abuse, in any form, is never appropriate, and no-one should be victim to this type of behaviour simply for doing their job.

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“I urge people to come forward and report incidents of this kind to the police. They will take it seriously I assure everyone.

“Personally, I would like to thank all those who have carried on going to work during the pandemic. They are unsung heroes and fully deserve our respect and gratitude for keeping people stocked with essential items such as food, medical necessities and household products.”

An Alfreton supermarket worker said: “I have worked here for 15 years and I used to love my job, but since coronavirus my job has become hell.

“Customers were shouting and swearing at us and if they weren’t happy with what they were told, they threw their shopping at us.”

Gavin Dadley, Midlands divisional officer for the Usdaw union, says shopworkers provided an ‘essential service’ and many are concerned they may contract Covid-19 at work.

“Violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers are regrettably nothing new, but we were shocked to have found that incidents have doubled during the coronavirus emergency,” he said.

“It is a disgrace that people working to keep food on the shelves for their local communities are being abused and assaulted for simply doing their job.”

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