CROSS-PARTY support has been given to a zero tolerance approach to abuse of council staff in Argyll and Bute.
Councillors were asked to approve a joint statement with trade unions to outline its stance on aggressive behaviour towards staff.
One of the authority’s joint leaders highlighted figures released by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities last year which showed a 15 per cent increase in assaults on public service workers.
The council unanimously approved the statement at a full meeting on Wednesday, April 29.
Councillor Ross Moreland (Liberal Democrat, Dunoon): “Colleagues will recall in November last year, COSLA’s decision to issue a national joint statement with trade unions condemning abuse towards council workers.
“Over 75,000 assaults were reported on public service workers last year. It meant that assaults of this kind increased by 15 per cent on the previous year.
“I therefore welcome the council taking action to reinforce that policies and procedures are in place. Our staff are one of the most valuable assets we have, and they do tremendous work every single day, whether delivering frontline services or making these services possible.
“Our own code of conduct sets out the standards we must meet with as we carry out our responsibilities, and we also have moral responsibilities.
“We are able to disagree with officers face to face or online, but we must be respectful and courteous in how we engage with them and send a signal to others. Civility costs nothing but its value is immeasurable.
“I am sure all of my colleagues will join me in making it clear that abuse of our staff is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Councillor Peter Wallace, leader of the Conservative opposition group on the council, added: “I want to add our support, and this is definitely welcome. Staff need to come to work and do their job and be respected.”
Peter Wallace is standing for the Conservative Party in the Argyll and Bute constituency in the Scottish Parliament elections on Thursday, May 7.
The other candidates are Calum George (Labour), Amanda Hampsey (Reform UK), Tommy MacPherson (Independent), Jenni Minto (SNP), Alan Reid (Liberal Democrat) and Mick Rice (Independent).
