Story Highlight
– Over 1,000 emergency workers assaulted in Manchester since law change.
– Manchester ranks high in assaults on emergency workers nationwide.
– Mayor Burnham launches anti-racism campaign amid rising discrimination.
– Incidents of violence include severe threats against healthcare staff.
– Calls for tougher laws to protect emergency workers intensify.
Full Story
In Greater Manchester, emergency workers are facing alarming levels of violence, with the area recording one of the highest incidences of assaults on personnel in emergency services throughout the UK. A report released recently highlights that over 1,000 assaults have taken place since legislation was enacted to strengthen protections for those serving on the frontline, raising concerns about the safety of staff dedicated to saving lives.
The disturbing statistics were revealed alongside the launch of a new anti-racism initiative dubbed “No Space for Racism,” led by Mayor Andy Burnham and local health leaders. This campaign comes in response to what is described as a notable increase in incidents of racism and discrimination impacting the region’s healthcare system.
Luvjit Kandula, the Director of Strategy and Pharmacy Transformation at Community Pharmacy Greater Manchester, shared harrowing details of the violence directed at pharmacy and general practice employees. Reports included shocking encounters where employees have faced threats of violence, strangulation, and even the potential destruction of their premises. “We have examples of people being strangulated, being threatened with pens, knives, pushing, punching,” Kandula stated, emphasizing the severity and frequency of these incidents.
According to figures released by police, there were 4,377 recorded assaults against emergency workers in England and Wales in the year ending September 2025, marking a worrying peak since the introduction of legislation in November 2018 that made such assaults a distinct criminal offence. Notably, Greater Manchester alone accounted for 299 of these assaults in 2025, a rise from the previous year, while the total incidents recorded in Greater Manchester since 2020 now exceeds 1,146.
Comparatively, other areas have also seen significant numbers, with Birmingham reporting 865 assaults and Milton Keynes at 368 during the same timeframe. Apart from Manchester, Salford, Wigan, and Bolton recorded 118, 113, and 108 assaults respectively, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue across multiple communities.
During a recent assembly of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, a comprehensive report outlined the types of discrimination faced by health and care workers. Incidents of racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism were documented, occurring in various settings including clinical environments and during travel to and from work. The report highlighted that not only patients but also some colleagues and supervisors have perpetuated this unacceptable behaviour.
To combat these issues, an accompanying website for the “No Space for Racism” campaign will facilitate reporting and provide resources for support. This initiative aims to create a safer atmosphere for health workers while promoting accountability and understanding amongst colleagues and management.
Kandula expressed her frustrations at attempts to report incidents of violence and abuse, emphasizing the need for a decisive response to ensure safety for all staff members. “If things are happening to people and there are no consequences… people are going to switch off and say it’s just words,” she remarked, advocating for greater acknowledgment of physical assaults alongside verbal abuse.
In response, Mayor Burnham acknowledged the necessity for collaboration with Greater Manchester Police to ensure a prompt reaction to reports of violence, indicating that the new campaign’s success relies on effective support structures.
Since the 2018 legislation revision, emergency workers are afforded up to two years in prison for physical assaults, yet the statistics indicate that the challenge remains substantial. Nationally, over 22,500 ambulance personnel reported incidents of violence in the past year alone, which translates to around 62 reports of abuse every day. Disturbingly, many frontline medics find themselves leaving their roles due to the impacts of these encounters.
Firefighters have not been immune to this troubling trend, with reports showing 933 similar assaults documented in England last year. This situation reveals a concerning pattern affecting the welfare of those who dedicate their careers to safeguarding the public.
Despite a reported 16% decline in aggressive incidents by North West Ambulance Service this financial year, they maintain that any level of violence is unacceptable. The service continues to work collaboratively with staff and law enforcement to create an environment where emergency personnel can operate without fear.
Carlos Meakin, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, echoed this sentiment, calling for protective measures for staff while emphasizing their continuous commitment to community safety.
However, the rising trend of assaults has prompted calls from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) for stricter legislation, citing inadequate conviction rates and leniencies as potential deterrents to would-be offenders. AACE’s managing director Anna Parry has been voicing concerns nationally, advocating for stronger preventive measures to safeguard emergency workers.
Professor Nicola Ranger, representing the Royal College of Nursing, has stressed the dire situation facing NHS professionals, stating that violence against predominantly female nursing staff is on the rise and calling for urgent reforms to address systemic issues such as underfunding and staffing shortages that contribute to this violent climate.
Ranger highlighted that the statistics represent only the visible portion of a broader crisis and urged immediate, tangible actions from both employers and policing to ensure the safety of healthcare workers across the board.
In summary, the increase in violence against emergency workers in Greater Manchester reflects a growing national concern, with various sectors advocating for enhanced protection and support to ensure that those who serve the public can continue their vital work undeterred by violence or abuse.
Our Thoughts
To mitigate the rising assaults on emergency workers in Greater Manchester, several actions could be implemented. First, effective training programs focusing on conflict de-escalation and personal safety should be mandatory for all frontline staff. These programs must be complemented by a robust reporting system that ensures all incidents lead to immediate responses and investigations, adhering to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to protect their employees from risks.
Additionally, risk assessments should be regularly conducted to identify and address environmental factors contributing to aggression, particularly in high-pressure situations, such as medicine shortages as highlighted in the article. Implementing better staffing levels could also help alleviate pressure on emergency workers, thus reducing frustration and potential violence.
The current figures indicate that relevant regulations under the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 are being breached, suggesting that deterrents are insufficient. A review of the legal framework concerning penalties for assaults on emergency workers could enhance protection.
In conclusion, promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards violence, along with increased support and resources for emergency services, is essential for preventing such incidents in the future.
