Essex, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2012 -- In what should be a safe and controlled environment, public sector workers are having to deal with increased levels of violence and the frequent threat of attacks. The number of attacks on staff has resulted in a major concern for public sector safety.Now public sector branches are taking their own measures to deal with the violence from members of the public.

Essex based, Body Armour manufacturer, VestGuard UK have received an unusually high volume of enquiries since the start of 2012 to supply stab proof vests to public sector staff. The threat of violence to NHS staff has been well documented over the years, although a little less publicized is the threat that the Environment Agency and trading standard institute are facing when carrying out their jobs, VestGuard say that this threat is troublingly evident.

“The majority of our sales are for the supply of bullet proof body armour, so to have this many enquiries about our stab vest has been somewhat unusual. Not only have we had orders from individual NHS branches, we’ve also had a number from other public sector organisations including, the environment agency and trading standards ”. Michael Smith, Operations Director, VestGuard UK.

It is estimated that the violence costs the NHS around £100,000 a year in security, time off for affected staff, and legal costs. Labour MP for Tynemouth, Alan Campbell said stab vests should be made available to frontline emergency workers.

He added: “I think if someone has been attacked in the line of duty it should be taken into account during sentencing. Courts have to reflect public feeling on this and the public wants people who carry knives to be locked up.” Labour MP for Tynemouth, Alan Campbell.

“Council workers come into contact with every household across the country in some capacity. Obviously the risk that staff face varies enormously, and their level of protection needs to be both sensible and proportionate. Councils will not hesitate to use the appropriate measures to deal with any risk of attack.” Local Government Association spokesman.