Question reference: S6W-02756
- Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 8 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Keith Brown on 22 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for workers in charitable organisations who might face threats and aggression from members of the public when carrying out their duties.
Answer
The Scottish Government is clear that violence of any kind is totally unacceptable. Every person has the right to feel safe and protected from abuse and violence regardless of where they work and we encourage anyone who experiences violence or abuse to report it to the Police.
Scotland’s Justice system provides protection for all workers, with various criminal laws that protect everyone from threats or aggression including all those working in the charity sector. In addition, there are specific laws in place such as the recent Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 which can offer separate protection for charity workers who specifically work selling goods.
Alongside the protections offered by the law, the Scottish Government would encourage charities to have policies and support in place to help maximise the protection afforded to all staff.