Union and retail leaders have issued a plea for shop staff to be recognised as key workers and afforded the same rights.

The USDAW shopworkers’ union and the Scottish Retail Consortium have written to the Deputy First Minister to call for retail staff to be included in the list.

They say this is the case in Wales, England and Northern Ireland, and add that ‘retailers are working round the clock and incredibly hard at this unprecedented time to make sure the nation continues to be able to access the essential medicines, cleaning/sanitising products and food supplies they need, particularly elderly and vulnerable people’.

READ MORE: Nardini's owner 'saddened' by crowds flouting coronavirus advice 

In the joint letter, they call for workers in sub-sectors of retail who have childcare responsibilities to be able to access suitable provision for their children ‘so they can continue to go to work during this difficult time’.

Jackie Baillie MSP, member of Holyrood's economy committee and Scottish Labour deputy leadership candidate, said: “Retail workers are going above and beyond at this incredibly challenging time.

“They deserve our huge thanks for ensuring food supplies are available, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable, and they need the full support of the Scottish Government.

READ MORE: On street parking charges suspended in Glasgow 

“We can’t have a situation where retail staff are considered key workers in every part of the UK other than Scotland.

“I urge the Scottish Government to end the postcode lottery and respond positively to the request from USDAW and the Scottish Retail Consortium.