COUNCIL staff were still subjected to physical assault by members of the public despite the coronavirus lockdown, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has found.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2020, seven Bolton Council workers from all departments were subjected to physical assaults from members of the public, the council said.

In the three years before 2020, assaults on council staff had been rising sharply.

In 2017, 23 council staff were assaulted. This rose to 34 during 2018 and 39 in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

UNISON, the union which represents council staff, has said the assaults are “simply not acceptable”, especially due to the challenging circumstances staff have had to work through during Covid-19.

Martin Challender, Bolton UNISON communications officer, said: “Council staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic, often in challenging and difficult circumstances to keep local services going. Anyone who is dissatisfied with the service or the response they receive, has a right to express views and make a formal complaint if necessary.

“No one has a right to be threatening and abusive to someone just trying to do their job. Thankfully assaults on council staff are quite rare, all the same they can be very serious for anyone affected.

“Most people understand that threats and assaults are simply not acceptable. As a union we always try to work with senior management to address any issues as they arise. Our view is that ultimately everyone has a fundamental right to feel safe at work.”

The figures relate to staff in every department of the council, including parking wardens, binmen, highways engineers and those working in council buildings.

A spokesman for the council, said: “Bolton Council staff perform a variety of vital roles across our community and should be able to go about their work without fear of violence or abuse."