Adequate Safeguards Are Needed To Protect Members From Attacks
It is unacceptable for school staff to be kicked, punched, spat on or to have school equipment and even furniture thrown at them says GMB.
GMB, the union for school support staff, commented on a new survey showing that more than two-fifths (42.8%) of education workers have had to deal with violent pupils in the last year - while others have faced insults, threats, bullying and harassment. See notes to editors for copy of the report on Press Association dated 29th January.
Karen Leonard, GMB national lead officer for school support staff, said "GMB is committed to raising awareness of this issue. It is unacceptable for school staff to be kicked, punched, spat on or to have school equipment and even furniture thrown at them. We have recently launched a national campaign to highlight the problem. GMB will be challenging schools, academies and local authorities to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to protect our members from attacks.
Enough is enough. Schools must send out a loud and clear message that there will be zero tolerance of violence against any staff in schools, whatever their role. Members tell us day in, day out about violence against school support staff, which is never acceptable or 'part of the job'. Members go to work because they love working with children."
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