Rise In Violence Against Highland Council Workers

Incidents of violence against Highland Council staff have increased on last year, according to an official report.

The majority of cases during 2006/07 involved threatening behaviour and verbal abuse and most were recorded in educational and social work services.

Most involved adults and children with learning difficulties or special educational needs.

The report said the rise was due to better reporting and the 194 incidents were below the 323 recorded in 2003/04.

The figures were due to go before Wednesday’s resources committee meeting.

They also showed that the number of working days lost to accidents has gone up to its highest figure since 2000/01.

For 2006/07, 1,330 days were lost compared with 1,309 for the previous year.

Officials added that there have been fewer accidents, major injuries and incidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive.