EIGHT in 10 workers have experienced abuse or violence at work in the past year, a TUC study finds today.

The research also found that 45 per cent of employees across various sectors experienced threats of physical harm in the workplace over the last 12 months.

The TUC’s survey of 5,004 workers also found that 19.4 per cent have experienced physical assault, 9.9 per experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence and 79.1 per cent suffered verbal abuse such as shouting, insults or threats at work.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said “the Tories left the [Health and Safety Executive] in tatters” but that the government “must reinvest in the HSE.”

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the TUC’s research echoes their own data on violence against retail workers.

She told the Morning Star: “The results from the TUC back data from our own Freedom From Fear survey which found that nearly four in five of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job, with over one in 10 workers experiencing physical assault.

“Two-thirds of attacks on retail staff are being triggered by shop theft or armed robbery. No-one should feel afraid to go to work. The forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill will play an important role in protecting retail workers.”

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey told the Star: “These figures underline the urgent need for safe staffing on public transport, an end to lone working, and a standalone offence for assaulting a public transport worker.

“We also need to see a properly funded BTP to ensure both workers and passengers feel safe on the railway network.

“Our Action Against Assaults national day of action on April 28 will bring into sharp focus the need for change across the rail, metro, bus and ferry sectors.”