MORE than 2,000 physical assaults on Fife Council workers were recorded in the last two years.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, says he is "very alarmed" at the figures which were provided to his party through a Freedom of Information request.

The stats included the number of physical and verbal assaults on staff members in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years.

Of 16 departments where cases were reported, a total of 1,611 physical assaults and 361 verbal assaults were directed at education workers, with the number rising from 528 in the first year to 1,083 in the second.

Mr Fraser said: "These figures for assaults on Fife Council staff are diabolical and I find them very alarming. Local authority staff are doing their job, which often involves trying to help the public, so to be subjected to either physical or verbal assault while carrying out their duties is disgraceful.

"The people who handed out physical or verbal assaults should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves."

He continued: "It is notable that the highest number of assaults took place on Fife Council staff who work in their education department.

"It is very concerning to see the amount of physical assaults on education staff more than double in just two years.

"I’m sure Fife Council will be addressing these figures on assaults on their staff as no one should have to suffer either physical or verbal assault while doing their job."

The overall total number of physical assaults on Fife Council workers in the 16 departments mentioned increased from 728 in 2020/21 to 1,298 in 2021/22, while the records of verbal assaults show a rise of 188 during the same periods.

Sharon McKenzie, Fife Council’s head of human resources, said the authority takes the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees very seriously.

She added: "We have a clear focus on reducing workplace violence and it’s a priority for us to make sure our staff are safe wherever they work in the council.

"Managing pupil behaviour at school and having the right training and development for our staff are key in meeting the challenges we continue to face as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.

"Looking ahead to next year we will continue to focus on monitoring, reviewing and improving our performance in this area, making sure we support our staff through a range of health, safety and wellbeing initiatives.

"As always, we will continue to work with our TUs and professional associations to ensure a joined up and comprehensive approach."