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UNISON lays down the law on violence

UNISON has issued new guidelines showing how workers can use the law to prevent assaults, convict offenders and sue employers for compensation. UNISON Scottish organiser Dave Watson outlined four different legal options for staff faced with violence in the workplace. Research shows that many employers are failing to address the problem, he said: 'Therefore, we need to look at other measures we can take to protect members.' UNISON in Scotland has identified a number of legal avenues workers can use: Pursuing criminal prosecutions against assailants - for assault or for harassment; suing employers or assailants for civil damages; and using health and safety legislation to make employers carry out proper risk assessments and take measures to prevent attacks. 'While compensation and prosecution claims don't by themselves prevent the violence, there is considerable evidence that the threat of claims has reduced the incidence of abuse,' Mr Watson said.

• UNISON news release. Assaults on staff: Legal action against violent service users, UNISON Scotland briefing 169, November 2007. Safer Scotland violence at work website. Glasgow Daily Record.

Briefing document (200 words) issued 30 Nov 2007