Attacks on job centre staff

Incidents included verbal abuse, items being thrown, physical assaults, members of the public fighting and staff being threatened with weapons.

The information was released by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie in response to a written question tabled at the Stormont Assembly.

SDLP councillor Colum Eastwood said: “These figures are shocking and this behaviour is absolutely disgraceful. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“Social Security Agency staff help thousands of Derry people find jobs and claim the benefits they are entitled to. They are providing a very valuable public service. They deserve respect.”

The local councillor said frustration with the system is not a valid excuse for people to act aggressively.

“They are well schooled in how to deal with badly behaved members of the public, but no amount of conflict management or assertiveness training can prepare you for the day when someone brandishes a weapon in your face or physically assaults you,” he said.

“Frontline staff need to know they will be safe in their place of work,” he added.