BBC News
By George Bowden
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Retail bosses are calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take action against violence and abuse experienced by shop workers.
Leaders of 100 brands, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Ikea and Aldi, have signed an open letter to support greater protection in law for retail staff.
The Co-op has reported a fourfold rise in violent crime between 2014 and 2020.
The government said courts should be increasing sentences for assaults against shop workers.
They added there was "a clear need now for better protection in law for retail workers".
"Victims of abuse, threats and violence carry those experiences with them for life," they added.