Islwyn MP Chris Evans has backed a campaign to show shop workers more respect.
Usdaw, the union for shop workers, recently released research which showed over a million shop workers were assaulted, threatened or verbally abused in the last twelve months.
The survey showed that six percent of shop workers were subjected to violent attack, 37% were threatened with harm and a massive 70% had suffered verbal abuse.
While reported incidents of assault are slightly down, incidents of threats and abuse have increased since last year.
Mr Evans said: “As a former shop worker myself I know how tough the job can be. Shop workers deserve respect and have my full support. We must do more to help them do their job safely.
“I would like to see a high profile publicity campaign in support of ‘no id – no sale’ ensuring that young people are aware that it is an offence to attempt to buy alcohol if you are under 18.”
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “We are delighted that Chris is supporting our campaign on behalf of shop workers in Islwyn.
“Age restricted sales is an issue of real concern to our members. If they make a mistake and serve somebody under-18 they risk being prosecuted and receiving an £80 fine.
“If they fail to ask for age identification from somebody under-25, they run the risk of being disciplined for not following company policy.
“Asking for age identification can lead to abuse from customers who get frustrated and a refusal to serve can be a real flashpoint for threats or even violence. That is why we are asking the shopping public to show respect and understand that the shop workers are only doing what they have been told to do.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council Health and Safety Officers are currently working with officers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to tackle work-related violence and aggression.