Hundreds of Angus Council social workers assaulted

Angus Council has said it takes the safety of staff seriously after figures obtained by The Courier revealed that 279 of its social workers have been assaulted in the last two years.

Staff supporting clients were left with scratches, bites, grazes and bruises, sprains and strains and cuts after coming under attack.

Labour justice spokesman Richard Baker described the statistics as “extremely concerning” and said it was vital that the council ensure social work staff are protected and not sent into situations where they are at threat.

The figures were released following a Freedom of Information Act request by The Courier, which found 163 people were assaulted in 2008/09 and 116 last year.

Three were reported to police in 2008/09, rising to eight last year.

The council said that 22 people were injured as a result of the attacks in 2008/09 and 24 social workers were left injured last year.

“These are extremely concerning statistics given the number of assaults and particularly the number of assaults which end up in injury, which are increasing,” said Mr Baker.

“That means it’s absolutely vital that the local authority ensures that every measure is taken to ensure that social work staff are protected and not sent into situations where there is an increased likelihood of them being at risk of assault.”

Social workers coming under attack are often supporting clients in their home where alcohol, medical or mental health are issues.

Tory justice spokesman John Lamont MSP said he was pleased to see the number of attacks on social workers in Angus went down in the past year, but added that even just one attack is one too many.

He said, “The vast majority of social workers are dedicated individuals who are there to help people.

“It is a disgrace that they are targeted in this way and I would hope that any such incident sees the perpetrator prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”