In a recent News Release, the TUC has called for a 'zero tolerance' approach to violent crime at work after a new analysis showed the number of physical assaults against workers last year was up 50 per cent on the previous year. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) analysis of the Home Office's British Crime Survey (BCS) 2008/09 figures for England and Wales concluded an estimated 327,000 workers had experienced at least one incident of violence at work in the year, with 168,000 assaulted while they were working and 176,000 threatened.

The statistics represent a reversal of the long term downward trend in assaults. In 2007/08 there were 112,000 assaults and 194,000 threats, with a total violence at work toll of 293,000. According to the figures, assaults at work are up 50 per cent. The total violence at work figure is up almost 12 per cent. HSE says 1.4 per cent of working adults were the victims of one or more violent incidents at work.

The general secretary of the TUC, Brendan Barber said: 'The sharp increase in physical assaults against workers last year is hugely concerning. This must act as a wake-up call to both the government and employers.' He went on to add : 'Whatever the circumstances, there must be zero tolerance to any act of abuse or aggression against a person who is engaged in their job. Employers and the police must ensure that action is taken against those that threaten or assault employees.' The long term trend was in the right direction, he said. 'The level of assaults against workers is still far lower than it was ten years ago. Much of this is thanks to the joint work that unions and employers have been doing to address the issue in sectors such as health care and retail,' said Mr Barber.

You can download a copy of Preventing Workplace Harassment and Violence  here. This guidance is supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). It is designed for use by both employers
and workers.

You can also see guidance and policy on workplace violence in our A-Z in the members area of the website.