FEAR of abuse, harassment and becoming infected with the coronavirus is affecting the mental health of retail workers, according to a new survey by their union.

Usdaw said that contracting the virus is “by far the biggest factor” in anxiety problems felt by 75 per cent of 4,000 workers surveyed.

And 80 per cent said the pandemic has affected their mental health, with three quarters feeling anxious about going into work.

Nearly half said they currently feel unsafe or very unsafe at work, while young workers’ main concern is customer abuse and harassment, and are most likely to hide their fears and anxiety.

Comments from those surveyed included: “I just feel like I don’t have time to actually care about my mental health;” “When we are understaffed we are left to just deal with it;” and “The way people view and treat retail workers is an issue that needs to be fixed.”

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “The vast majority of Usdaw members are classed as key workers, occupying job roles and working in industries essential to the country’s response to the coronavirus crisis. 

“The crisis has clearly demonstrated the nation’s dependence on workers in food chain industries and shown that some of the most important jobs in society are done by those who are paid the least.

“It is well documented that although mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, they aren’t distributed equally across all groups in society. 

“Evidence is increasing that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of sections of the population differently, depending on their circumstances.

“Anxiety about exposure to the virus and social distancing in workplaces, increased customer abuse, isolation from friends and family, home schooling and juggling work with care, stress and worry about the future, about job security and family income: Usdaw members are facing these pressures daily.”

The union is calling for action that includes monitoring differences in pay, changes at work for people with mental health problems and disability sick leave without affecting future employment.