By Dr Pete Cheema

IN my working life I have been subjected to – and witnessed – all kinds of abuse, simply for doing my job. It was a job that should not have put me in the firing line, but it did as it still sadly does thousands others across Scotland.

For many years I ran my own convenience store. It’s a job I took a huge amount of satisfaction from – and through which I met many great people. I loved serving the community. Indeed, my family still does.

Unfortunately, however, there’s no avoiding how demoralising and frightening it is when you suffer a barrage of awful language, threats or violence and become a victim of crime while at work, whether that be while carrying out age checks for alcohol or tobacco or counting the cost of shoplifting.

On the flipside, though, it should never be underestimated how uplifting it is when someone takes a second to say thank you as they are being served or for the help you have given them.

That’s why the Scottish Grocers’ Federation is urging everyone in Scotland to simply “say thanks” the next time they’re in their local convenience store. It’s a small gesture that means so much.

Local shops are always there for us, often going above and beyond to support those around them. Many have been part of our communities for generations.

Yet they really have exceeded expectations throughout the coronavirus pandemic, staying open as the nation went into lockdown, becoming Covid-safe, setting up delivery services and ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities have not gone without. Many have been – and continue to be – at the heart of grassroots responses to the emergency.

For those reasons – and many more – I believe it’s never been more important to show our respect for retail workers. It’s a message we are championing as part of Don’t Put Up With It, our campaign against retail crime.

In August, a trailblazing piece of law, the Protection of Workers Act, came into force in Scotland. For the first time anywhere in the UK, this made it a specific offence to threaten, abuse or assault a retail worker. It was a welcome move, symbolising strongly that crimes against shop staff will not be tolerated.

We can all help reinforce that by simply saying thanks as we shop – demonstrating that kindness will always triumph over trouble and that, for every person who is abusive, threatening or rude, there are many more who appreciate the efforts of our local shops.

If events of the last 18 months have taught us anything, it’s the value of compassion and community.

So, the next time you pop around the corner for some essential supplies, say thanks. If you’re grateful that your local store is there; if you’re grateful they have been there during the pandemic; if you want them to stay there as long as you are, say thanks. It really will make a difference and demonstrate your support for Scotland’s shop staff.

Dr Pete Cheema is chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation