Unison in Scotland is calling on the Scottish executive to ensure people who physically abuse public sector staff are automatically charged and prosecuted.
Speaking at Unison's Scottish health and safety conference in Glasgow, Jim Devine, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "Hundreds of workers are being assaulted every year but very few individuals are actually charged with assault."
Devine also called for the extension of the Guardian Angel protection scheme to public sector workers.
Piloted at St John's Hospital, Livingston in West Lothian, the scheme allows staff visiting patients or clients at home to record the name and address and the duration of their visit through a paging system. If the worker fails to contact the switchboard after their visit, an alarm goes off.
LGA issues child protection warning about obese children
Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
