The Local Government Association is growing increasingly
concerned about “unacceptable” attacks on council workers
carrying out essential duties and implementing the Government’s
social distancing policy during the coronavirus crisis.
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales,
understands that emotions and tensions are running high during
this unprecedented time.
It is calling on the public to respect the tireless efforts
of council workers – from social care staff to refuse collectors
and highways crews to maintenance workers – as they go about
their work to keep essential services going for communities while
reducing risk during the coronavirus lockdown.
It comes as councils have reported several sickening
physical and verbal assaults on council staff, including an
incident where a cyclist deliberately rode into a council officer
and broke his leg. Other council staff - which include recycling
workers, park groundskeepers, civil enforcement officers, road
engineers and bus drivers taking children of key workers to and
from school - have been spat and sworn at, shoved by members of
the public, and racially abused.
The LGA is also emphasising how vital it
is for people to comply with government guidance on social
distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Flouting
these restrictions could put lives at risk and prolong the spread
of the virus, and force councils to consider closing public
spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, for public safety
reasons.
Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said:
“Council staff are leading local efforts to support
communities through the coronavirus crisis, working day and night
to protect communities and keep the services they rely on
running.
“Local government workers should always be respected and
valued – even more so in these challenging times – when they are
needed more than ever.
“It is becoming increasingly concerning to hear that local
government workers are being subjected to physical and verbal
abuse as they try and play their part in keeping the country
running through this crisis.
“This is unacceptable, and it has to stop.”
CASE STUDIES
NOTES TO EDITORS
Examples of work by council staff to help keep essential
services running during the coronavirus crisis can be
read here.
