A SURVEY has exposed “shocking” levels of violence in Borders schools.

Scottish Borders Council has been urged to take immediate action after new figures were published in a report by trade union UNISON Scotland.

The survey aimed to assess the prevalence of violence and aggression at work experienced by non-teaching support staff. 

More than 85 per cent of respondents reported experiencing/witnessing slapping or punching, with that up slightly at 88 per cent for kicking. 

A UNISON Scotland spokesperson said the findings painted a “troubling picture of violence in educational settings across the Scottish Borders”.

Kaymarie Hughes, UNISON Borders branch secretary, said: “These findings are shocking. School staff should not have to face violence and aggression in

“Scottish Borders Council must address this issue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff.”

She added: “UNISON has proposed a series of recommendations aimed at addressing workplace violence effectively, which could be actioned now. These include enhanced training and guidance for staff, improved ways staff can feedback, better risk assessments, and ways to support staff who need to report incidence.

“We are also asking Scottish Borders Council to sign up to UNISON’s Violence at Work charter, which commits employers to creating a safe and supportive work environment, free from violence and aggression.”

More than 55 per cent of respondents said they experienced violence multiple times a week, which UNISON said emphasised the “chronic nature of the issue”.

The survey found that less than half reported incidents they experienced or witnessed.

Of those that did, the majority did not receive feedback from their employer, according to the UNISON data.

The spokesperson said that it was important to note that the survey did not capture the experience of the entire school workforce.

But they added that the data painted a “concerning picture”.

Scottish Borders Council was asked for comment.