New data from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) has revealed that UK ambulance services are on course for the highest rate of reported incidents of violence, aggression and abuse directed at their people ever recorded in the sector with over 20,000 incidents expected across the fourteen UK ambulance services in the 2024-25 financial year.
This means that every single day, at least 55 ambulance staff will be abused or attacked, with reported incidents including kicking, punching, slapping, head-butting, spitting, verbal abuse and sexual assault, and ranging from common assault to significant serious attacks involving a multitude of weapons. On top of this many assaults go unreported, so the true figure is actually higher.
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Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:
“Ambulance workers do their jobs to save lives.
“But thousands of them are bitten, attacked, spat at, and even sexually assaulted.
“No one should have to put up with that, least of all those who are there to help us.
“GMB members helped change the law, bringing in the Protect the Protectors legislation, but more needs to be done.
“We need full enforcement of the Protect the Protectors legislation, investment in better systems to flag offenders, more focus on prevention and much better support for the victims of violence.”
GMB advice
Violence at work is not acceptable and is not just a part of the job. Employers have a responsibility to ensure your safety at work and must take every measure to keep you safe. If you have concerns about your safety at work, please speak to your GMB Representative.
GMB strongly recommends that members report all incidents formally at work. You should also contact GMBs solicitors Union Line to enquire whether you have a legal claim for compensation – call 03003330303.