VIOLENCE against social services staff has hit an all-time high, says a Blackpool social worker.

This comes as Health Minister John Hutton announced on Wednesday (April 28) that action must be taken to protect social services staff following the death of Wandsworth social worker Jenny Morrison.

The Blackpool worker, who did not wish to be named, told the Citizen: "Only this week a female member of staff at a children's home in Blackpool was consistently threatened with a knife.

"Practically every member of staff is sworn at on an hourly basis and physically threatened on a daily basis with no comeback for the young offender, but it's not only the physical abuse that's the problem - it's also the psychological effect.

"I know this is a similar tale all over the country and levels have escalated in the last five years here in particular, but I just don't know how things will change.

"Staffing levels are stretched, resources are limited and changes in the law mean these young offenders can do practically anything they want without any comeback."

Lancashire County Council social services directorate replied to John Hutton's comments by saying: 'We acknowledge the fact that actual or threatened assaults regrettably occur and we support employees who are assaulted in the course of carrying out their duties.

"All incidents of violence whether perceived or actual are treated seriously and steps are taken to ensure every incident is investigated with the aim of minimising future risk."

Mr Hutton plans to organise a national summit in the autumn to develop a strategy to tackle the problem and has invited the Association of Directors of Social Services and the Local Government Association to attend.

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