Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to tackle (a) intimidation, (b) harassment and (c) violence directed towards public servants.

The Civil Service is committed to creating a safe and supportive work environment for all its employees and does not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour or abuse towards an employee. Those found to be bullying, harassing, discriminating, or violent towards employees or customers can face disciplinary procedures including charges of gross misconduct, leading to dismissal.

Civil Service HR (CSHR) have provided a suite of products to support departments in managing bullying, harassment and violence in the workplace and by third parties, including Media Attention Guidance which sets out the responsibilities for handling instances of unwanted, intrusive or aggressive media attention.

Departments have their own guidance on dealing with unacceptable customer behaviour including handling situations of - for example - assault against staff. In every incident that involves violence or a targeted threat of violence towards civil servants the police are notified and appropriate action taken.