BLACKPOOL shop workers suffering because of violent and abusive customers are asking the public to back a campaign to improve workplace safety.

Members of the retail union USDAW were in Hounds Hill shopping centre on Tuesday to promote the union's 'Freedom From Fear' campaign.

The event -- one of 100 held nationwide -- was part of the union's first Respect for shop-workers Day.

Local shop-worker, Peter Smith, said: "Verbal abuse and attacks in the retail sector are far too commonplace.

"The vast majority of customers are fine, but we have to protect shop-workers from the small minority of abusive and aggressive customers who are making our working life intolerable. We're saying enough is enough."

Blackpool South MP, Gordon Marsden, who is supporting the campaign, added: "I know from first-hand accounts that shop-workers in Blackpool have given me of the abuse and actual physical attacks they have faced -- particularly from shoplifters feeding a drug or alcohol habit.

"Shop-workers in Blackpool, with its large influx of visitors and, sadly, small, undesirable elements among them, are often particularly vulnerable -- especially late at night."

Mr Marsden says he is urging the Government to make retail crime a key issue for police to tackle and will also discuss the issue with local police, the council and town centre managers.

Usdaw's deputy general secretary, John Hannett, added: "We've had a huge amount of success already. Most of the top retailers have signed up to our charter of respect for shop-workers.

"Some companies are putting signs in stores which say any form of abuse will not be tolerated. The campaign has struck a chord with shop-workers and shoppers in every town and city in the UK."

The union says that at least 16,200 shop-workers were assaulted last year, with more than 118,000 threatened or abused.