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Violence at work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines work-related violence as “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to work”. This includes verbal abuse and threats, in addition to physical abuse.

Employees in many public-facing roles are at risk of being attacked by customers, while other positions, such as prison officer and police officer, are inherently dangerous. Employers may have a policy on violence at work, which should set out preventative steps and support available to victims.

Domestic violence outside work may also have an impact on employees’ health and wellbeing.


    • Sexual harassment
    • Change management
    • Police

    ‘More required’ to overhaul toxic culture at Met Police, report finds

    by Jo Faragher 2 Feb 2022
    by Jo Faragher 2 Feb 2022

    An investigation has found officers routinely shared violent, misogynist and discriminatory messages.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • NHS
    • Latest News

    Health workers facing abuse over treatment delays

    by Personnel Today 11 Oct 2021
    by Personnel Today 11 Oct 2021

    NHS staff are increasingly facing abuse from patients amid frustration caused by long waiting lists, medical bodies have said.

    • Latest News
    • Health and safety
    • Retail

    Retail bodies urge action over violence and abuse

    by Ashleigh Webber 24 Aug 2021
    by Ashleigh Webber 24 Aug 2021

    Retail industry bodies have renewed their call for the UK government to make assaulting or abusing a shop worker a standalone offence.

    • Health and safety
    • Latest News
    • Retail

    Retail staff assault ‘should be offence’

    by Ashleigh Webber 29 Jun 2021
    by Ashleigh Webber 29 Jun 2021

    The home affairs committee wants a stronger response to violence against retail workers.

    • Latest News
    • Domestic abuse
    • Physical environment

    HR franchise drives roll-out of domestic abuse policy

    by Jo Faragher 29 Mar 2021
    by Jo Faragher 29 Mar 2021

    A businesswoman who was forced to take leave to attend a court case against her abusive partner is calling for more employers to introduce domestic abuse policies.

    • Coronavirus
    • Latest News
    • Health and safety

    CEOs call for action on surge in violence against retail workers

    by Jo Faragher 5 Feb 2021
    by Jo Faragher 5 Feb 2021

    More than 65 retail chief executives have written to the Prime Minister calling for more protection for shop workers after...

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    Business minister: HR has vital role in tackling domestic abuse

    by Ashleigh Webber 5 Feb 2021
    by Ashleigh Webber 5 Feb 2021

    Paul Scully says HR, managers and colleagues must do more to help domestic abuse survivors, but it will be a learning curve.

    • Latest News
    • Discipline and grievances
    • Retail

    Tesco manager sacked for restraining thief wins £43,000

    by Rob Moss 27 Jan 2021
    by Rob Moss 27 Jan 2021

    A Tesco store manager fired for manhandling a shoplifter has been awarded £43,100 for unfair dismissal at the employment tribunal.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    ‘Do more to support domestic abuse victims’, minister tells employers

    by Ashleigh Webber 14 Jan 2021
    by Ashleigh Webber 14 Jan 2021

    Business minister Paul Scully says few firms are aware of the signs of domestic abuse, and even fewer have a clear policy to support those affected by it.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Discipline

    How should HR handle a case of domestic abuse?

    by Maria Strauss 27 Nov 2020
    by Maria Strauss 27 Nov 2020

    With soaring rates of calls to domestic abuse helplines throughout the Covid pandemic and coverage of the Johnny Depp vs...

    • Coronavirus
    • Latest News
    • Retail

    Covid-19 measures fuel sharp rise in violence against retail workers

    by Adam McCulloch 24 Aug 2020
    by Adam McCulloch 24 Aug 2020

    Since the arrival of the coronavirus in the UK, the average retail worker has been assaulted, threatened or abused once every 6.5 days.

    • Police
    • NHS
    • Latest News

    Tougher sentences for assaults on emergency workers proposed

    by Ashleigh Webber 13 Jul 2020
    by Ashleigh Webber 13 Jul 2020

    Ministers are considering whether to increase the maximum penalty for assaulting an emergency services worker from 12 months to two years in prison.

    • Stress
    • Fit for Work
    • Reasonable adjustments

    NHS staff survey reveals little progress in boosting health and wellbeing

    by Ashleigh Webber 19 Feb 2020
    by Ashleigh Webber 19 Feb 2020

    Only three out of 10 (29.3%) NHS staff say their trust takes positive action on health and wellbeing, with many...

    • IR35
    • Sexual harassment
    • Alcohol and drug misuse

    Top 10 HR questions November 2019: IR35, Christmas parties and PILON

    by Brightmine 3 Dec 2019
    by Brightmine 3 Dec 2019

    Pending a review announced by chancellor Sajid Javid, reforms to the IR35 rules are due to be extended to the...

    • Latest News
    • Industrial action / strikes
    • Public sector

    Tube workers to take industrial action over violence levels

    by Rob Moss 13 Sep 2019
    by Rob Moss 13 Sep 2019

    Transport for London workers on the District Line have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in protest at the growing levels of violence from passengers.

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