SHOPPERS in Worcester are being urged to show appreciation for retail staff when the first National Respect for Shop Workers Day takes place.

Retail union Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is organising the day, after figures revealed thousands of shop workers were attacked, threatened and verbally abused each year.

The National Respect for Shopworkers Day is due to take place on Wednesday, September 17.

The day forms part of Usdaw's Freedom From Fear campaign, which aims to protect shop staff from violence. Since 1995 more than 118,000 shop workers have been attacked.