§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 12 November 2001,Official Report, column 554, if he will make a statement on progress in combating verbal and physical assaults on staff. [19394]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 10 December 2001]: We estimate that over a quarter of a million people have passed through the Jobcentre Plus pathfinder offices during the first month of their operation. Risk assessments for each of the new Jobcentre Plus offices have been carried out and, following consultation with local trade union health and safety representatives, a series of extra security measures has been introduced. These include wide coverage by closed circuit television; training for staff in how to handle difficult situations; better management in each office to avoid difficult situations building up; panic alarms; and more visible and effective security guards. Additionally in each pathfinder area there are screened facilities to deal with individuals and parts of the business that pose a greater risk. These will, we believe, lead to fewer incidents of verbal and physical assaults on staff.
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