Violent attacks on teachers and education staff have risen dramatically in South Lanarkshire, according to worrying new figures. Physical violence incidents in education jumped from 280 to 461 in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year — an increase of 65 per cent.
Further verbal attacks were also recorded, climbing from 31 to 38 incidents over the same period. These figures are contained in a workforce monitoring report going before South Lanarkshire Council’s employee, equalities, diversity and inclusion forum on June 17, covering the period January to March 2026.
Council-Wide Increase in Violence
Across the council as a whole, physical violence against staff rose from 302 incidents to 496 — an increase of 194, or 64 per cent. While schools and education accounts for the vast majority of that total, social work staff have also endured an increase in physical violence, with 25 incidents recorded between January 1 and March 31 this year (compared to 17 the year before). One violent incident resulted in a member of staff being off work for more than seven days.
Rising Pressure on Workforce
The rise in violence sits within a broader picture of increasing pressure on the council’s 15,688-strong workforce. While the number of staff referred for counselling for work-related stress fell sharply — from 107 to just 38 — the number referred for anxiety and depression more than tripled, rising from 45 to 147. The report does not explain the reason for the shift, but the figures suggest the nature of staff mental health pressures may be changing significantly.
Meanwhile, 623 employees (including 282 from education and 133 from social work) were referred to the council’s employee support officer. This is up 34 on the same period the previous year, with 90 per cent of those referrals relating to personal reasons. Psychological conditions remain the single biggest cause of absence across the council, accounting for 37 per cent of all working days lost.
Discipline and Grievances
On workplace discipline and grievances, 55 disciplinary hearings were held between January and March 2026, up from 49 in the same period last year. Nine grievances were submitted — more than double the four recorded in the same period last year — all of which are currently being investigated. Eleven dignity at work complaints were also raised and are under investigation.
The report notes that only 44 per cent of disciplinary hearings were convened within the council’s six-week target, with the main reasons being the availability of relevant parties, annual leave and absences.
