A SOCIAL worker has spoken out about the verbal abuse that Bolton Council staff have to put up with in their jobs.

Figures from a Freedom of Information request to the local authority found verbal assaults on council staff has rocketed by nearly three times in the space of the last three years.

Bolton social worker Karen Kinwood-Bailey says some people are abusive "no matter what" and "abuse and threats are not acceptable".

Karen said: “As a social worker in adult social care, I know most people just want the best care and support for themselves and their families.

"Resources are limited and things might not always go to plan, but usually we can work together and sort things out.

"There are a minority though who are confrontational and abusive no matter what.

"Abuse and threats are not acceptable and not part of the job.

"All councils should have a zero tolerance attitude towards threatening and abusive behaviour to staff, like the police and NHS."

The council says it does not tolerate abuse towards staff.