In recent weeks, there have been disturbing reports of abuse, intimidation, and even violence directed at frontline council workers as they carry out their lawful duties. This behaviour is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Frontline workers provide vital services that keep our communities safe, clean, and functioning. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. We are committed to working together to ensure their safety and wellbeing, and to support them so that they can continue the essential work they do every day.

Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said:

“Over the past weeks, council workers in several local authorities have reported being verbally abused, threatened, and in some cases, physically intimidated while simply attempting to take down flags or other items attached without authorisation to lampposts, street lights or other council infrastructure. This behaviour has no place in a civil society.

“Our staff and contractors undertake essential work to maintain public safety and keep shared spaces in our communities safe and respectful. Workers performing these duties deserve respect, support and protection. No one should be subjected to abuse for doing their job.

“We will support any measures needed to ensure their safety, and any suspected criminality will be reported to Police Scotland.”

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland Senior Organiser, said,

''No worker should face intimidation or violence while performing their duties. We expect the authorities to take threats to any worker's safety extremely seriously and to ensure that every worker feels safe at work.”

John Mooney, UNISON Scotland’s co-lead for local government, said:

“Council staff have the right to do their jobs without fear of abuse. While everyone is entitled to personal views, there is no place for this behaviour.

“Unions have a strong history of standing up to racism and right-wing intimidation. This rise in far-right action undermines the values of equality and compassion that the vast majority of people in Scotland identify with.

“Council cuts are fuelling much of the wider political debate on immigration. Those of us who want Scotland to remain a tolerant country must show our support for vulnerable people in our community and campaign for better public services for all.

“And council staff need to know that they are being protected as they carry out their duties in what are already challenging circumstances.”

Graham McNab, Unite lead officer for local government, said:

"Violence and abuse towards workers is unacceptable and it must have no place in Scotland.  Individuals threatening or intimidating workers for removing flags or any other unauthorised object from our nation's streets must be reported. Absolutely nothing justifies attacks and threats towards workers for carrying out their jobs especially those in the interests of public order and safety."

25th September 2025