Almost one in four public servants are exposed to threats, hatred and violence, according to a new TCO report.
Today, the Riksdag is voting on tougher penalties – but that is not enough, TCO believes.
– It is serious, because it affects individual employees. It affects recruitment for a lot of important jobs in various industries and it means a threat to our democracy, says Therese Svanström, chair TCO
TCO’s new report shows that 23 percent of civil servants in the public sector have been exposed to hatred, threats or violence in the last five years. Women are exposed more often than men, 26 percent compared to 19 percent of men. For a third of those who are exposed, it has consequences that affect their own work and performance.
Direct threats most common
The report shows that direct threats at work are most common. More than half, 56 percent, state that. Subsequently, 25 percent have received hate or threats by email. 19 percent have experienced physical violence such as pushes and punches. 10 percent have received hate and threats in social media. 5 percent have received direct threats outside of work, for example when traveling to and from work or in connection with home.
Toughened law – not sufficient
Today, the Riksdag will vote on the penalties for crimes against socially useful personnel, for example in healthcare and social services, and journalists must be tightened. But TCO believes that is not enough.
– It increases protection for a number of different groups within health and medical care, social services, emergency services, etc. But we see the more groups that are hit hard in their everyday life and therefore we need to supplement the legislation so that those groups are also covered by the protection, says Therese Svanström, chairperson TCO