WORKERS at Britain’s biggest supermarket chain are being offered body cameras to deter violence from customers after the number of attacks on them soared.

The head of Tesco has also echoed a trade union call for the government to make violence against shop workers a specific offence with tougher penalties.

Chief executive Ken Murphy said Tesco had also increased security measures such as secure door access systems in its stores, installed protection screens and introduced digital radios for staff.

His statement was welcomed by shop workers’ union Usdaw whose long-running Freedom From Fear campaign includes efforts to secure legislation to protect shop workers.

But the government has repeatedly blocked proposed legislation in Parliament.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis welcomed the retailer’s actions.

“Our annual survey found that three-quarters of retail workers suffered abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence,” he said.

He said nearly one-third of attacks were linked to shoplifting incidents which increased by 24 per cent last year. “So the situation is getting worse and action is needed,” said Mr Lillis.

He said body cameras had been proved to deter attacks and called for staff to be trained in their use and the public to be made aware to make the deterrent more effective.

“Faced with such appallingly high levels of violence and abuse much more needs to be done,” he said.

“There must be better co-ordination to ensure that government, retail employers, police and the courts work together to help protect shopworkers, giving them the respect they deserve.”