ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has welcomed officials speaking out against “shocking and unpalatable” assault numbers on public service workers.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and trade unions agreed a joint statement in September speaking out against abuse and intimidation of council staff.
Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) also warned that any such behaviour in Argyll and Bute may result in action being taken.
The details feature in Councillor Lynch’s report ahead of a full council meeting on Wednesday, November 26.
He said: “At the beginning of October, trades union UNISON called for urgent action after figures highlighted that more than 75,000 assaults on public service workers were reported last year – that’s an average of 206 every single day. This is an increase of 15 per cent, or 9,500 assaults, compared to last year’s figures.
“More than three in five of all assaults (63 per cent) were suffered by council workers, including staff in education settings.
“There were also almost 7,000 ‘violent incidents’ in councils, again an increase of 17 per cent on last year. Numbers like these are shocking and unpalatable.
“These are not simply statistics – it is vital to remember that these represent the experience of hardworking frontline employees and that behind each number sits a real person. No one should ever face any kind of abuse for simply doing their job.
“Here in Argyll and Bute, anyone who engages in abusive or aggressive conduct towards council staff may be asked to leave council premises, refused service, or have their access to council officers restricted. Where required, incidents will be reported to the police and legal action may be taken.
“The organisation has policies and procedures to deal with these unacceptable incidents when they occur. However, it is important to remember that as elected members, we too have a responsibility, both in condemning this kind of behaviour and ensuring that we abide by the Councillors Code of Conduct, which requires us to treat council staff with courtesy, respect and professionalism in all dealings – whether our interactions are formal or informal, in person, by email or online in any form.
“I welcome COSLA’s public stance in speaking out against a deeply concerning and totally unacceptable issue.”
