Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal is backing a new campaign to protect and show respect for shop workers.

The joint initiative has been launched by Tesco and the shop workers' trade union Usdaw and posters will soon be appearing in Tesco stores to spread the message to its customers.

Sylvia Heal MP said: "I'm pleased to be supporting this important initiative. Violence, threats and abuse at work are major problems for all workers who deal with the public, but it must never be tolerated. I think this example of a trade union and an employer working together to overcome this problem is to be commended."

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said: "We very much welcome Sylvia's support. We have worked hard with Tesco to ensure stores are safe and comfortable environments for shop workers and shoppers alike.

"Tesco is a company that takes these matters seriously and works with us."