That ends an historic day at Holyrood, with the first minister's apology to gay men

Nicola Sturgeon offered an unequivocal apology to gay men convicted of sexual offences that are no longer illegal.

The first minister's apology coincided with new legislation that will automatically pardon gay and bisexual men, external convicted under historical laws.

The bill will also allow the removal of such convictions from criminal records.

That's all from Holyrood Live today.

Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn responds to a point made about the challenge 25 law.

"I think we would all agree its an effective mechanism to stop underage drinking. It's right that we have that."

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Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn agrees with the sentiments of everyone in this debate, saying it is important to mark Respect for Shopworkers Week next week.

Mr Hepburn says a fundamental part of respecting our shopworkers is paying them a fair wage.

He says he was delighted to visit Paper Tiger, which is one of the 1,000 accredited living wage payers.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay asks why some companies do not with to be accredited despite paying the living wage.

Mr Hepburn says he can't comment on that as it would require UK wide accreditation, whereas Scottish based companies do not.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay says that "retail is often a gateway into the world of work. Young people can often be on zero hour contracts and be exploited. Many are put in dangerous situations."

He says that "No worker should be expected to go out to work and face violence, abuse, intimidation or attack.

"We have to continue campaigning. But the only satisfaction we will have is when we don't have to bring this debate to parliament every year because that is when we will know we have made progress."

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Tory MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston says many shopworkers work for long hours for not very much pay, but have to put up with abuse and violence.

Mr Halcro Johnson says often the lack of respect can be shown to local enterprises which are crucial to the community.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie Abuse says "abuse should not be part of a shop worker's job. But for many it is part of their every day life."

Ms Baillie says: "One trigger for abuse is alcohol sale.

"Challenge 25 imposes a duty on retail workers to ask for proof of age for anyone who looks under 25.

"Daniel Johnson's Bill would make it illegal to obstruct a worker carrying out their duties."

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Tory MSP Alexander Stewart says: "Retail is the lifeblood of our economy."

Mr Stewart says the theme of Usdaw's Respect 17 campaign is "Keep Your Cool".

He concludes saying: "Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself, was always my model."

"We in the parliament must make sure that we stand up and protect shopworkers."

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson reflects on a story of a shop keeper who was attacked in Ayrshire at the weekend.

He says that these type of attacks are "too common and have to be dealt with".

He adds: "Too often police are called to incidents that happen in shops."

Mr Stevenson also says: "Without retail we would be impoverished in many ways.

"It's a very personal industry that delivers to us."

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Mr Johnson says around 6,000 shopkeepers are abused on a weekly basis, according to Usdaw.

The Labour MSP says this has real human impacts, with stress and mental health issues arising.

He says: "Shopworkers are exposed to the public, they have no option but to put themselves but to put themselves in the position of risk."

Mr Johnson calls for a change of culture and says he will bring forward a consultation on a new Bill, to provide adequate legal protection for retailers.

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Mr Johnson is concerned that alcohol sales and the legal requirement of the Challenge 25 scheme can often act as a trigger-point for the outbreak of violence or abuse against workers.

He celebrates the week’s role in raising awareness of the violence and abuse faced by shopworkers,

The Labour MSP callson the Scottish and UK governments to act so that all public-facing workers can benefit from further protection from violence, abuse, and threats when at work.

Mr Johnson says Respect for Shopworkers Week is organised by USDAW’s Freedom From Fear campaign, runs from 13 to 19 November 2017.

The Labour MSP says the week highlights the violence and abuse faced by shopworkers.

He says the Retail Crime Survey, published in February 2017, concluded that "retail staff continue to suffer unacceptable levels of violence and abuse", rising by 40% since 2015-16.

Image source, MSP

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson is talking up the retail industry.

Mr Johnson says: "All too often the retail gets diminished an industry of low pay and low skill. That is unfair.

"Often retail work is people's first job. Increasingly it's a job people take in retirement. It's people's first job and last job.

"It provides opportunity. One of the remaining industries where you can start on the shop floor and work your way up.

"One of the most difficult things I had to do was eject people from my shop."

Image source, USDAW

Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Campaign, external works to prevent violence, threats and abuse against workers. We do this by engaging the public, shopworkers and the Government.

Usdaw’s survey of retail workers shows that half of shopworkers were verbally abused in the last year, with 29% being threatened with violence and 8% suffering physical assaults. A third of those suffering physical violence did not report the incident to their employer.

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Labour MSP Daniel Johnson leads a member’s debate marking Respect for Shopworkers Week, 13 -19 November.