Scottish violence levels are "unacceptable"

Assaults on Scotland's health and local government staff over the last three years show no evidence of decline, UNISON public services union has said, and a more co-ordinated approach is required in order to stamp them out.

Figures obtained by the union from Scotland's local authorities and health boards show that the level of violent attacks on public servants has changed little over the last three years, and is currently running at just over 20,000 a year.

The report, Violent assaults on public service staff in Scotland, can be downloaded from www.unison-scotland.org.uk/safety/violencesurvey.pdf