There must be more prosecutions, tougher sentencing and a culture change to address the widespread attacks on emergency workers, the union GMB has said.

New figures have revealed that between November 2018 (when a new law came into effect) and May 2019 police across England and Wales made more than 6,600 arrests for attacks on emergency services personnel.

The legal change made assaulting an emergency service worker a specific criminal offence in England. Attacking an emergency worker is also now an ‘aggravating factor’ for sentencing purposes. But the union said the law must result in more prosecutions and tougher sentences, “accompanied by culture change and support from government and employers.”

GMB national officer Rachel Harrison said: “It’s welcome to see arrests taking place but we also want to see an increase in prosecutions and tougher sentences handed down for these unacceptable assaults. The new law is only going to work if it is applied fully – that will be the deterrent that is much needed to really protect our members.”

She added: “These new provisions must now be enforced, and the culture in NHS Trusts has to change. Facing violence at work should never be considered just part of the job.”