The Scottish Government is to back a Labour MSP's plan for new laws to protect shopworkers.

Community safety minister Ash Denham said her party would now support a Private Members Bill being put forward by Daniel Johnson.

In a letter to the MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, Denham confirmed that the Government will back the legislation at next week's Holyrood vote, if slight tweaks can be made.

The minister said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the key role that retail workers play in serving and sustaining Scotland's communities.

"This legislation will help emphasise the importance of law enforcement using their powers to protect retail workers."

She added: "Subject to certain amendments being made to the Bill in Parliament, the Scottish Government will be supporting this legislation to improve understanding of the extent of offences against retail workers and to ensure a new specific offence can be used for assaults, threats and abuse committed against these workers."

Johnson said he was "delighted" to get the Government's support. 

The Labour MSP added: "Passing my Bill into law will provide an important recognition of the key duty shop workers have upholding the law and the issues they face doing so.

"Most critically, the pandemic has seen people working in retail performing critical roles, supplying the basic essentials to all of us and keeping us safe as we do so. This Bill pays an important tribute to these efforts over the last six months."

Johnson continued: "It is clear from my consultation and work that there is clear public support for my Bill.

"I will continue to work with other political parties and key stakeholders to ensure it passes the remaining parliamentary stages and becomes law."

Shopworker's union USDAW, welcomed the Scottish Government's decision. 

Stewart Forrest from the union said the last six months had been difficult for his members. He said: “Throughout the coronavirus emergency shop workers are ensuring that Scotland remains fed. Retail staff are at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, yet they have continued to go to work and help respond to the crisis. Despite this, we have seen abuse, threats and violence against shop staff double this year.

“However abuse of shop workers is a problem in more normal times and, in our view, the current legal provisions do not sufficiently protect them. The Scottish Government’s support for the intentions of the Bill is welcome and we hope they will assist in securing a change in the law to better protect shopworkers before next year’s election."