Law 'won't protect workers'

A PROPOSED change in the law fails to provide those working with the public with greater protection from assault, MSPs have warned.

Labour MSP Hugh Henry has put forward a member's bill that aimed to ensure workers who were assaulted while serving the public were given the same level of protection given to emergency workers who are attacked.

But members of the Scottish Parliament's economy, energy and tourism committee said such a move would not actually extend the level of protection available.

After considering the proposal, MSPs said: "The bill will not extend the protection currently available under the common law offence of assault and therefore we recommend that the general principles of the bill are not agreed to."

Committee convener Iain Smith said: "We share the bill's aim of promoting the protection of, and respect for, public-facing workers. We also agree that something has to be done now to bring about a change in culture and tackle unacceptable behaviour towards workers."

However, he added: "The committee agreed that other action to address the issue of assault and abuse of workers should be taken now by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and employers, including tougher prosecution and sentencing guidelines and effective campaigns to show that such behaviour is totally unacceptable."

Mr Henry had brought forward the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill amid concerns that assaults on shop workers and local government workers were becoming more common.

Legislation has already been brought in which makes it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service.

The Scottish Parliament will vote on Mr Henry's Bill early next year.