Shock rise in abuse of refuse workers

'42% hike in staff attacks'

- By Jaymi McCann

AN alarming rise in physical and verbal attacks on refuse workers is sweeping Britain, particularly at recycling centres.

Suez, one of the country's largest waste management firms which employs more than 5,000 people, has reported a 42% increase in attacks on its staff during last year.

There were 318 reported cases of aggression directed at workers, with more than 240 happening at household waste recycling centres.

Devon and Cornwall, and Greater Manchester, were the worst for this abuse, with 64 incidents in each area.