Hartlepool council workers pelted with fish and chips as part of shocking onslaught against staff

As previously reported, an ‘unprecedented rise’ in violence and aggression towards staff at Hartlepool Borough Council has seen 166 incidents already in 2019/20 – expected to reach 222 by the end of the 12-month period.

There were 193 reports of violence and aggression towards staff in 2018/19, more than four times higher than the 46 incidents in 2015/16.

Stunned councillors reacted in horror to the news at a meeting of the council’s Finance and Policy Committee, which discussed a report into the issue at its meeting on Monday February 10.

The report details how shouting, swearing, screaming, spitting, threatening violence, punching, pushing and intimidating behaviour were all experienced by staff from departments across the council.

Council officers also said they have CCTV footage showing enforcement officers ‘getting fish and chips thrown at them’.

Coun Mike Young, deputy leader of the council, said: “It’s very disappointing to hear those are the kind of levels we are talking about, that’s shocking to be honest.”

Councillors urged officers should not have to face such violence and aggression at work, adding they should have no qualms prosecuting where they can.

Coun David Hunter said: “I absolutely agree nobody should come to work to face abuse, whether it be verbal, inferred violence or actually violence.

“Where there is a clear act of violence that can be established, I think we should prosecute every time.

“It reinforces the stance of the council and it makes them think twice next time they decide to do that.”

Call for tough action to protect staff

Council officers noted they would be taking a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to incidents and part of that could be prosecution, although they have not historically prosecuted.

Councillors also noted they could look at giving more staff body cameras, such as social workers, due to the type of people they work with.

Coun Sue Little said: “These people are desperate, people do silly things at desperate times.

“It may be something to consider, it could potentially save someone’s life.”

Claire McLaren, assistant director for corporate services, said departmental representatives have been talking about such issues as part of working groups, and the comments would be reported back.

The reports of violence and aggression are towards staff of every department of the council: including refuse crews, enforcement officers, contact centre officers and social workers.

The increase is in line with national trends which sees public sector workers facing more violence and aggression towards them.

A ‘Respect: Everyone Deserves it’ campaign will be launched next month by the council, displaying key messages at council buildings and on social media.

Training will be given to staff on de-escalation and diffusion techniques, and where appropriate additional CCTV and security guards will be used.

Reporting tools and techniques will also be improved and a clear policy statement on what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour produced.