Abuse, threats and even assaults on shop workers have doubled since the coronavirus crisis began.

Shocking statistics show hundreds of short-fused customers have been lashing out on staff members when asked to queue and maintain a two-metre gap.

There have been a number of unsavoury incidents across Kent, including a row over fizzy drink rationing in Gillingham's Tesco, and arrests after assaults in Greenhithe's Asda and Whitstable's Iceland.

Across the country, two-thirds of shop workers say they have suffered verbal abuse since mid-March, while one in six say they have been at the receiving end of unwarranted backlash on every shift.

It comes as the nation continues to rely on the efforts of key retail workers in order to stock up on essential foods.

The figures, compiled by the Usdaw workers union after surveying almost 5,000 shop staff, suggest 29% have been threatened and 4% physically assaulted.

It is estimated, that on average, more than 3,500 members of staff across the UK suffer abuse each day.

'There is no excuse for abusing shop workers...'

Usdaw's general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “The safety of our members is absolutely paramount, but they tell us that some of the shopping public are resisting social distancing measures in stores and can become abusive when asked to queue and maintain a two-metre gap.

"Our message to the public is there is no excuse for abusing shop workers, please treat our members with the respect they deserve.

"Shop workers are on the frontline of feeding the country, providing an essential service in very difficult circumstances, working long hours in busy stores, facing abuse from customers and of course concerned they may contract Covid-19."

Usdaw wants the government to introduce stiffer penalties to deter those who assault and abuse staff.

Mr Lillis added: "Shops are the cornerstone of our communities, but they can only operate with staff, who clearly do not have the option to work from home."

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