Among new priorities in the plan is protection for key services during the crisis, such as health and retail. Those intimidating or targeting health or retail staff should be dealt with robustly.

David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner says: “Quite rightly, our wonderful NHS staff have been highly praised, but we should also remember the outstanding contribution our frontline retail workers are making in ensuring the continuation of major supplies of food and other essentials during these extremely challenging times is beyond reproach.

“They are heroes and their dedication and devotion to duty in often the most difficult circumstances, deserves our utmost thanks and gratitude.

“The update to our emergency West Midlands Police and Crime Plan reflects this contribution and we will continue to take every measure possible to ensure their safety, security and wellbeing.”

Gavin Dadley – Usdaw’s Midlands Divisional Officer says: “Shopworkers are on the frontline of feeding our communities during the current crisis. They are 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.

“Our communities need shops and the staff must be kept safe so they can stay open. So we very much welcome our PCC in the West Midlands recognising the heroic efforts our members are making and for introducing a new priority to protect retail staff.

“Usdaw continues to work with employers to improve health and safety for staff, particularly those dealing directly with the public. We also call on customers to stay calm, respect shopworkers and practise the necessary hygiene measures to help limit the spread of the virus. We all have to work together to get through this crisis.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Police and Crime Plan: https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/west-midlands-pcc-launches-emergency-update-to-police-and-crime-plan-to-support-force-through-coronavirus

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion