Call for shop workers in York to be treated with respect over Christmas
With mandatory mask wearing in shops and on public transport, some concerns have been raised about abuse of staff.
Shop workers in York are urging people to be patient and understanding with them as we head into the busy Christmas period.
It's as mandatory face coverings are back in shops and on public transport.
The Usdaw union found in 2020 that 88% of shop workers surveyed experienced verbal abuse; 60% were threatened by a customer and 9% were assaulted.
Tracy is a shop worker in York, and says - so far - things have been relatively calm:
"It's been quite good so far. Things were getting back to normal and looking up, and obviously with the announcement on mask wearing we were all dubious about how it would go.
"Everyone has been polite and wearing the masks today, but I don't know what it's going to look like in the coming weeks.
"We've had to remind the odd person to wear one, and they've said 'oh I'm sorry - do you have one I can wear?' We've not really had to challenge anyone, so it's been good so far.
"If the restrictions just stay with mask wearing - and then go down again - then I think we'll be relatively free from abuse. I think in the forefront of people's minds they just want to get Christmas shopping done.
"Everyone is quite mellow so far as they've got something to look forward to (for now) this Christmas compared to last year. The mood is quite good, but let's see how it pans out".
Tracy thinks Christmas can be a stressful time of the year in shops - whether Covid is an issue or not.
She's welcomed masks for protection, and hopes people continue to be respectful:
"I'm glad that they've asked us to wear masks this time round to protect ourselves. In the run up to Christmas I definitely don't want to get Covid, and I've been lucky not to get it at all during the pandemic.
"Christmas can be ten times worse for customers and ourselves during a pandemic - we're all asking questions about seeing loved ones and what we'll be allowed to do. Let's see what's announced in the next week or two".
This new guidance has brought England in line with other nations in the UK regarding face coverings.
It is the first time in several months that face masks are being made compulsory in England since the order was lifted in July.