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Workers cautioned on Black Friday

Union bosses have made an appeal to North East office workers to behave themselves on what is traditionally one of the most hazardous days for ambulance services.

Today - the Friday before Christmas - is dubbed Black Friday by paramedics and ambulance workers because they face an increase in drink-fuelled violence by office workers.

On this day, the number of 999 calls goes up, along with incidents of violence, threats and abuse.

This year, with heavy snow forecast, the day will be even more difficult for emergency workers.

The public service union Unison wants people to enjoy their office parties, but is urging that revellers should leave paramedics and ambulance crews to get on with their jobs in peace.

Liz Twist, regional head of health for Unison, said: “The Friday before Christmas is the day that paramedics dread.

“It is shameful that ambulance crews, who are out 24/7 with the sole aim of saving lives and caring for the sick and injured, become the target of violence, intimidation, and abuse.

“This year, with heavy snow forecast, the day will be even more difficult for those emergency workers.

“I am appealing to the public today and every day to leave ambulance workers to get on with their jobs in peace.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .