Shop workers’ union leaders have backed plans for a new law to give staff more protection from attacks.

Usdaw is supporting a Bill to create new offences for assaults on shop or bar and restaurant staff who sell age restricted goods like alcohol, solvents or knives.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson is bringing forward the Bill at the Scottish Parliament.

The union complained that too often cases are not taken forward and when they are sentences are no tough enough.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, those who are can receive derisory sentences.

“In other cases, where the offender isn’t even charged, victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were assaulted.”

They want a stand-alone offence that is understood by the public Police and courts

The union said that workers are on the frontline when upholding the law on the sale of alcohol, tobacco, knives and solvents and as such deserve proper protection.

It said a survey found 70% of shopworkers were verbally abused and 42% threatened in the last year.

It said 5% had been physically assaulted meaning 34 attacks every day in Scotland.