Case Studies

Violence at work findings

by Mark Rowe

About one in eight people have experienced violence at work, a TUC survey has found. The poll, carried out by YouGov for the TUC and released to coincide with the start of ‘heartunions’ week, suggests that 12pc of people have experienced work-related violence; such as being pushed or spat on, or being punched or stabbed.

With more than 31 million people in employment, the TUC is concerned that this could mean nearly four million people have experienced violence at work. Of those who have experienced violence in their workplace, one in five (20 per cent) report it happening more than ten times.

Medical and health workers were the biggest group to say they have faced work-related violence (22 per cent), followed by workers in education (12 per cent), hospitality and leisure (11 per cent), retail (9 per cent) and manufacturing (6 per cent).

The TUC has calculated this could mean as many as 870,000 medical and health workers, 470,000 workers in education and 430,000 workers in the hospitality and leisure industry could have experienced violence while carrying out their jobs.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Workplace violence is far too common in the UK. These disturbing findings show that millions of people are likely to experience violence and intimidation at some point in their working life – with A&E staff, nurses, teachers, hotel receptionists and shop workers particularly at risk. There is no excuse for physically assaulting someone. Workplaces must be safe for everyone.

“All over the country, union reps play a key role in stopping violence at work and supporting union members who are victims of abuse. We need strong unions working with employers to combat unacceptable behaviour and protect workers – and anyone worried about violence in their workplace should join a union today.”

The TUC has recently published new advice on what companies should do on workplace violence. The guidance says:

· Employers must treat threatening language and verbal abuse as workplace violence. Verbal abuse may develop into physical abuse if it is not challenged.

· All workers should be briefed on how to report violent incidents.

· There should be an agreed reporting form, written in simple language and which includes the incident time and location, a description of assailant, and a description of any injuries suffered.

· Forms should be available for all workers for whom English is not their first language.

· The worker involved must be given the necessary time to complete the report form in full, as soon as possible after the incident. And;

· Workers should be given feedback about what will happen next, along with a timescale for action. It is important that staff see action being taken as this will encourage more staff to report similar incidents.

Comment

John Hannett, General Secretary of the retail trade union Usdaw, says: “All too often shop workers encounter violence, threats and abuse for simply doing their job and this latest survey from the TUC confirms there is a real issue to be addressed.

“Our own survey of over 2,000 shop workers showed that 9 per cent have been assaulted. Last month the British Retail Consortium reported a 28 per cent increase in offences involving abuse or violence against shop workers.

“Life on the front-line of retail can be pretty tough for many shop workers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail workers about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with retailers to promote respect and make workplaces safer for staff and customers alike.

“All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, and those who are can receive derisory sentences. In other cases, where the offender often isn’t charged at all victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were assaulted.

“Retail crime remains too high and there needs to be action to protect shop workers. It is time for the Government to act by providing stiffer penalties for those who assault shop workers. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected.”

About the survey

Total sample size was 1,642 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1 and 2 February 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18-plus). TUC guidance on what to do if you experience violence at work is available at www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/health-and-safety/violence/reporting-work-related-violence.

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