Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 May 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what research has been undertaken by his Department into the effectiveness of security screens in preventing physical assault upon staff in Benefits Agency and Employment Service offices. - Information in Library (Dep 02/1039). (Holding answer 5 February 2002).

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research has been undertaken by his Department into the effectiveness of security screens in preventing physical assault upon staff in Benefits Agency and Employment Service offices. [32651] Mr. Nicholas Brown: [holding answer 5 February 2002]: The Department has undertaken a thorough review of the impact of screens in protecting staff from physical assaults. The review has taken account of the experience of a number of major public and private sector employers, both in the UK and abroad, as well as the results of an investigation carried out by the Tavistock Institute for the Employment Service. A copy of this latter research report has been placed in the Library. The general conclusions to emerge from this work are that the presence of screens tends to make communication between staff and customers seem more unfriendly and uncaring, which is, in turn, more likely to predispose agitated or anxious people towards aggression.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 32651; 385 c681W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Crimes of violence Jobcentres Jobcentre Plus Offices Working conditions Security Social Security Benefits Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk