UNISON Condemns Violence Towards Key Workers

UNISON is saddened to learn of three separate assaults towards ambulance staff which took place within the region over course of the weekend. This comes the week after a paramedic was stabbed during the course of his duty in Wolverhampton.

Brian Dodds, Chair of UNISON North East Ambulance Branch said “Our members are there to protect the public and it is very disappointing when they are not treated with the respect that they deserve. We take this matter very seriously. Following the incident in Wolverhampton we were already in discussions with the North East Ambulance Service to ensure that everything that can be done to protect our members safety is being done, and we are continuing to work together with the Trust on this issue”.

Clare Williams UNISON regional secretary said “The health and safety of our members has been and continues to be our number one priority throughout this pandemic. These key workers have been at the forefront of this crisis to keep us safe. Our members should be able to focus on their job without having to worry about violence from the public. We must ensure that these risks are minimised through all possible measures”.

We understand that the assaults were unrelated, and two members of staff were hospitalised but all are recovering safely.  Two ambulance vehicles were also damaged in the attacks and will require thousands of pounds to repair before they can be allowed back out on the road.