Summary
Transport staff in Leeds, who help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are experiencing more violent incidents on the job. The workers have faced physical attacks from some of the children they transport, leading to safety concerns and calls for better support from the local council. In response to these issues, staff staged a strike and are requesting more training and measures to keep everyone safe.
Key Facts
- Staff transporting SEND children in Leeds report being attacked by students on the job.
- A transport assistant named Emma was bitten by an eight-year-old boy, causing permanent scarring.
- Staff are asking for immediate travel bans for children who attack them.
- Leeds City Council says they are aware of these issues and are working on improving safety.
- Last month, workers went on strike over safety concerns related to transporting vulnerable individuals.
- The Unite union highlights a lack of necessary equipment and training for dealing with these situations.
- A union representative mentioned cost-cutting by the council as a factor in the increased violent incidents.
- Leeds City Council states that staff receive regular safety training, but workers are calling for more frequent and effective support.
