Zero tolerance approach to abuse of council staff

Argyll and Bute Council has outlined its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees in a joint statement issued in partnership with trade unions.

The move follows a marked increase nationally in incidents of verbal and physical aggression towards staff across the public sector. The council has now come together with trade union colleagues to outline a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive behaviour towards staff.

Councillor William Sinclair, Policy Lead for Community Planning and Corporate Services: "Council employees deliver key services that provide vital support to our local communities. They must be able to carry out their duties without having to be concerned about their safety due to aggressive behaviour.

"The council has a duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees and, while it is extremely unfortunate that it should even be necessary to highlight this issue, the statement agreed in partnership sets out a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated."

The joint statement is as follows:

'Argyll and Bute Council employees deliver services that local communities depend upon every day. Our employees have the right to do that safely, and without fear of aggression.

'Argyll and Bute Council has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, including verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or physical violence directed towards our employees. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any circumstance and will not be tolerated.

'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.

'Our employees and the services they deliver are key to life in Argyll and Bute. We ask all members of the public to treat our staff with courtesy and respect, for everyone's benefit.'