GroceryAid has urged independent shop owners to get in touch if their staff suffer financial, physical or mental health problems.

The charity’s welfare director, Mandi Leonard, told RN: “We’re receiving more than 100 requests for help a month, and a large proportion of these come from retail staff – including those in the independent sector.”

She said the convenience sector “is going through a once-in-a-generation restructure”, and that while independent shops are too small to have a HR department, GroceryAid can fill the gap.

“Our incident hotline is relevant to store owners and staff,” she said. “When we hear of robberies, racial abuse or assaults, we provide a 12-week process.”

Request help or order free material for staff by calling 08088 021 122