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date: 21 January 2010

embargo: For immediate release

TUC concerned by sharp increase in violent attacks at work

Commenting on figures published today (Thursday) in the British Crime Survey, which showed a sharp increase in the number of physical assaults against workers last year, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The sharp increase in physical assaults against workers last year is hugely concerning. This must act as a wake-up call to both the Government and employers.

'The recession has undoubtedly been a key reason for the rise in physical assaults. Greater levels of stress and a rise in activities such as shoplifting have led to an increase in violence against workers. The changes to licensing laws have caused more attacks on emergency workers, transport workers and bar staff.

'Whatever the circumstances, there must be zero tolerance to any act of abuse or aggression against a person who is engaged in their job. Employers and the police must ensure that action is taken against those that threaten or assault employees.

'We also need to stop just talking about the problems of binge drinking and instead take action to control the drink culture that has helped fuel this rise in violence and abuse which many of our key workers now face on an almost daily basis.

'The level of assaults against workers is still far lower than it was ten years ago. Much of this is thanks to the joint work that unions and employers have been doing to address the issue in sectors such as health care and retail.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 21 Jan 2010