A COUNCIL has called for abuse towards its housing staff to stop.
Neath Port Talbot Council has highlighted that a number of incidents have happened towards their housing staff including being physically assaulted or faced with threats of violence such as being threatened with ‘having their legs broken if they visited again,’ asking where staff members live in order to try and find them, following and harassing staff, verbal aggression on the phone and to the face of staff, insults and negative posts on social media – calling staff ‘useless,’ and ‘brain dead’ – and threats of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
A member of the council’s housing staff said: “Very often the abuse and threats and other acts of aggression are down to us not meeting expectations of individuals rather than not meeting our statutory duties. It’s having a devastating effect on morale.”
The council calls the abuse – which is aimed at staff working tirelessly to find accommodation for people in the middle of a worsening homeless situation – worrying and unacceptable.
The council and trade unions are appealing to those who have been involved in making these comments or attacks to stop as their actions are seriously undermining the morale of the housing staff, with some even leaving their jobs due to it.
Chele Howard, head of housing and communities at the council, said: “The current homeless situation is due to a number of reasons including a chronic lack of affordable accommodation, which has placed immense pressure on local authorities to meet the growing demand for housing solutions.
“The council's housing professionals have found themselves at the front line of this situation and work diligently to ensure people and families in need find safe and suitable accommodation. However, their vital work has been marred by an alarming increase in incidents of aggression and abuse.
“They should not have to endure threats, abuse, and hostility while performing their duties. It is imperative that we all recognise and appreciate the crucial role they play in supporting people that are at risk or become homeless.
"Of course we understand that emotions run high during these challenging times, but we respectfully ask community members to engage in constructive dialogue and appreciate the tireless efforts of our housing staff. They are doing their best to provide housing solutions to those in need."
Mark Fisher, chair of the council’s Trade Unions and the council’s branch secretary, said: “UNISON fully supports NPTCBC employees’ non tolerance of any forms of abuse or assaults and will support our members with all legal avenues to prosecute “.
Arlene Chaves, the council’s GMB branch secretary, added: “GMB will not tolerate their members being verbally or physically abused if this happens, we will be seeking legal advice for our members.”
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