SHOPWORKERS in Bradford face assaults, threats and verbal abuse, according to survey results released yesterday.

John Hannett, general secretary of USDAW, said, on average, about 22 staff are assaulted every day across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The survey also revealed that 35 per cent of shopworkers were threatened by customers, and more than half verbally abused.

Mr Hannett said: “Our survey shows that life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them.

“We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns among retail workers about violence, threats and abuse.

"The campaign works with retailers to promote respect and make workplaces safer for staff and customers alike.

“All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, and those who are can receive derisory sentences. In other cases, where the offender often isn’t charged at all victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were assaulted.

“Retail crime remains too high and there needs to be action to protect shopworkers.”