Violence in the workplace

[Startliteangel]

Hi I work in a care home for the elderly usually it's frail pensioners we are looking after sometimes they can give you the odd slap scratch and , nip etc... But recently we have had about 6 new residents who are far from frail who wouldn't think twice to punch you full in the face and spit on you sometimes it can take 4 carers to take one person to the toilet we have complained to management but basically told to "deal with it" we can't restrain them we are not trained in restraint any way ,we have to calmly say " this is not except able behaviour " and walk away , one resident who was removed from the home because of his mental health has went on to sexually assault a carer in his new facility ..do we have any rights ? Or is it time to actively look for a new job ?

Under the Code of Practice for Employers of Social Care Workers your employer must be

'Providing induction, training and development opportunities to help social
care workers do their jobs effectively and prepare for new and changing roles and responsibilities'

and

' Responding appropriately to social care workers who seek assistance
because they do not feel able or adequately prepared to carry out any
aspects of their work.'

As a social care worker you have a responsibility to

'Seek assistance from your employer or the appropriate authority if you do not feel able or adequately prepared to carry out any aspect of your work'

If you have sought help from your employer and none is forth coming you should contact the relevant care standards agency for your safety and that of your clients