Racists are beneath contempt

Recently I spoke to "John". If you visit or work near Telford Town Centre and pass by the Asda store, you will know John. He is an employee of Asda who collects trolleys, and tends the front of their store.

Not a more friendly or pleasant guy could you wish to meet.

As I went to speak to John, I knew what he was going to tell me as I had heard it on the radio news a couple of hours earlier; that he had endured racial and verbal abuse last week while working, that he had been shouted at, had food thrown at him, and ended up fearing for his safety when going home.

This is disgraceful and indefensible. John is a character, for sure. But he is an inoffensive, helpful, and likeable person who goes about his job with pride and a passion.

How dare any thugs be cowardly enough to target and pick on people like John.

You should be ashamed of yourselves and those who know you should feel equally such. What pleasure do you derive from such actions?

On a more positive note, John said Asda had been extremely supportive - even offering to fund a taxi home to avoid further problems. Well done Asda.

But such support simply shouldn't be necessary and actions must be taken to stop people demonstrating such behaviour to good honest people at work.

John, you keep up the good work; ignore the idiots and those who hurl such abuse - you are worth 1,000 of them.

Dave Bowen, The Rock