The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) is calling for MPs to support its latest poster campaign to protect shop workers, as Covid-19 restrictions tighten.
Launched last week, the campaign encourages customers across the UK and Ireland to ‘be kind, be patient and wear a face covering’ when inside their local shop.
NFRN National President Stuart Reddish has written to all MPs asking them to raise awareness of the campaign by displaying the posters and promoting them on social media.
This latest drive is an extension of the NFRN’s highly successful Shop Local, Shop Little poster initiative, launched earlier this year, to remind customers to shop sensibly and that local stores could provide for all their needs.
Shop Local, Shop Little advertisements were seen by millions of people across the UK and Ireland as MPs, national newspapers and magazines backed the NFRN’s campaign.
Mr Reddish said: “Independent retailers have gone out of their way to support their communities by ensuring a safe environment. In the main, customers have adhered to the guidelines but some members have experienced hostility and frustration and, sadly, in some instances have even been subject to abuse and threats.
“We hope that by seeing these new posters, customers will treat independent retailers and their staff with greater understanding and respect, which means protecting everyone’s health and safety – customers and those working in the shops – by covering their faces and maintaining social distancing at all times.
“This latest campaign has already received fantastic coverage in the national media, and we hope that MPs will help us get the message across to everyone in their constituencies.”
