A UNION petition backing calls for legislation to protect shopworkers from violence and abuse has passed the 100,000 signatures mark – guaranteeing that the issue will be debated in Parliament.

The petition was launched by shopworkers’ union Usdaw, which wants tougher punishments for people who abuse and assault shopworkers — in the same way that violence against emergency workers can mean more severe punishments from courts.

But the government has blocked debate on the issue, saying that it sees no need for the legislation — even though acts of violence and abuse against shop workers have increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.