SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has leant its support to a campaign to end violence and abuse to shopworkers.

The retail giant, which has shops in Worcester at the Lychgate Shopping Centre and at Blackpole, has backed union Usdaw's (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) campaign to heighten awareness of the fear many shopworkers feel, while doing their job.

In 2001 employers across the British Retail Consortium reported that 20,000 staff were physically assaulted, 28,000 threatened and more than 60,000 verbally abused.

Sainsbury's joins many prominent employers across the consortium, many of them represented in Worcestershire including Iceland, Littlewoods and Morrisons.

Deputy general secretary of Usdaw, John Hannett welcomed the inclusion of Sainsbury's in the campaign.

"This campaign has really caught the imagination of shopworkers, companies and the shopping public," he said. "We are confident more retailers will sign up as our members raise the issue in stores across the UK.

''We also plan to hold a National Respect day on Wednesday, September 17, which will celebrate the vital role the millions of shopworkers play in the community and in the UK economy."