THE SDLP’s Sinéad McLaughlin has given her support to the Respect for Shopworkers Week, organised by the Usdaw trade union, which takes place this week.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Shopworkers deserve our respect – not just this week, but all year round.
“The pandemic has highlighted just how important retail staff are in providing essential services. Sadly, they have had to endure an unprecedented amount of abuse, threats and violence during the pandemic.
“Abuse of staff is never acceptable, yet it occurs far too often.
“Respect for shopworkers is something we should demonstrate throughout the year.
“I also ask retailers to consider if they need to do more to protect and support staff.
“I urge everyone to consider the pressures retail staff are under, which gets worse in the often frantic run-up to Christmas.
“A few words of appreciation can make a real difference to someone’s day.
“I have repeatedly called on all consumers to use their retail vouchers to support local businesses.
“It is equally essential that the workers in those local businesses are supported by treating them with politeness and respect.”
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