MPs urged to support new campaign to protect shop staff

National president Stuart Reddish has written to MPs asking them to raise awareness of its new “be kind, be patient” campaign by displaying the posters and promoting them on social media.

Reddish said: “This latest campaign has already received fantastic coverage and we hope that MPs will help us get the message across to everyone in their constituencies.

“Independent retailers have gone out of their way to support their communities by ensuring a safe environment. In the main, customers have adhered to the guidelines but some members have experienced hostility and frustration and, sadly, in some instances have even been subject to abuse and threats.

“We hope that by seeing these new posters, customers will treat independent retailers and their staff with greater understanding and respect, which means protecting everyone’s health and safety  by covering their faces and maintaining social distancing at all times.”

The poster campaign, which was launched last week, encourages consumers in the UK and Ireland to “be kind, be patient and wear a face covering” when inside their local shops. It is an extension of the “Shop Local, Shop Little” poster drive launched by the NFRN earlier in the year.