Frontline care workers should be free of intimidation and fear no matter the time of day

Daily Record

14-07-2025

Record View says nobody should have to put up with the threats and violence experienced by female care staff.
It's alarming that so many female care workers feel intimidated when going to and from work.
GMB Scotland's survey reveals hundreds of women are in fear of abuse or assault when visiting homes at night or in the early morning.
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Half of those surveyed have been victims of intimidation, abuse or violence while doing their jobs. Some said they had fireworks thrown at them and had been leered at by creepy and sinister men.
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No one should have to put up with behaviour like this when they go to their work. Not least these vital frontline workers who so many people up and down the country depend on.
That so many workers – around nine out of every 10 – feel scared when going to and from work at certain times of the day is clearly unacceptable.
Our story covers the plight of workers in Scotland's biggest city but it will reflect the experience of carer staff elsewhere.
The union has called for double-staffing on high risk visits, having pool cars across the city and extra cover after 6pm.
It has also warned of the stress most women feel working alone at certain times of the day and how it is taking a toll on their mental health.
Bosses and Glasgow City Council should consider the measures proposed by the union and if they are likely to help, implement them as soon as possible.
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These valued frontline workers should be free of intimidation and fear no matter what time of day they go to work.
If not, many are likely to quit their jobs and where would that leave Scotland's care sector?
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Our high streets must be revived
It would be wrong to blame any political party for the decline of our town centres.
At one time our high streets were bustling at the weekends and during public holidays.
People would buy whatever they needed in shops and our town centres were full of life. It helped foster a real sense of pride and community in our local areas. Sadly, those days are gone and too many retail units lie empty.
Shopping habits have changed. This is mostly due to online shopping and out-of-town malls rather than political neglect.
But Holyrood should do what it can to help our high streets because no one wants to see the heart of their community become a ghost town.