Set minimum safety measures for health & social care workers in the community

146
signatures
openDepartment of Health and Social Careby Lydia FisherOpened 10 July 2026

Background

Surveys reveal that nearly half of social workers face verbal abuse, & up to 25% are threatened with physical violence during their careers. I want the Government to consider mandating minimum protective measures for social workers similar to those for the police and other emergency workers.

Additional details

Yesterday, my car was attacked and I was threatened by a family. I wish this was the first time that this happened in my career but it is not. Several times in my 8 year career, I have feared for my safety. Social Workers can have the hardest conversations with families and this can cause a reaction that is aggressive and threatening. All we have to protect ourselves is our lanyard. I am asking for the same protective measures as the police. I believe we need GPS trackers, body-worn cameras and a panic alarm.

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Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 772506.