Concern over workplace violence

Almost half of all young Scottish workers who deal with the public have been exposed to violence, according to new research. The study was part of a Scottish Executive 'Bang out of order' campaign urging people to know their rights in the workplace. It also revealed 31 per cent had been verbally or physically attacked, threatened, sworn or spat at by a member of the public in the last 12 months.

Workers - who are being encouraged to speak out - typically keep quiet, with 48 per cent of those who experience abuse viewing it as 'part of the job'. Fears are greatest among female workers, with one in five worried about dealing with violence at work.

Public service reform minister Tom McCabe commented: 'Every worker in Scotland, of every age, should be able to go about their work without fear of physical or verbal abuse.' The Scottish Executive is now urging employers to review their policy on violence and put a robust reporting structure in place to help eliminate or control any risk of violence at work. Andy Brady, chair of the Scottish Trades Union Congress' youth committee, urged workers to report violence. 'Any worker who has encountered an abusive incident should immediately inform their employer and refuse to do something if they believe it endangers them or a fellow worker,' he said.

Briefing document (300 words) issued 18 Nov 2005