4 March 2026
RMT Press Office:
RMT has called on the Government to introduce a specific criminal offence for assaulting public transport workers ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.
The union is also calling for support for a cross party amendment that has been tabled by Peers which would introduce a stand alone offence for assault of a public facing worker, including transport workers.
The Crime and Policing Bill in its current form, risks creating a two-tier system of protection, with the Government proposing a specific offence for assaults on retail workers but not for those working on public transport.
Latest British Transport Police (BTP) data shows a 21 per cent increase in violent incidents against transport workers between April and November 2025, while a survey of more than 6,000 RMT members found nearly two-thirds had experienced workplace violence in the past year, often repeatedly.
Transport workers frequently carry out enforcement duties, including checking tickets, dealing with fare evasion, and applying railway byelaws, which makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse and violence.
RMT’s survey found fare disputes and incorrect tickets were the most common trigger for assaults, cited by nearly two-thirds of respondents.
In evidence to Parliament, BTP itself warned that failing to include transport workers in the new legislation would create a serious legal imbalance where workers in the same station could face different levels of protection depending on their job.
RMT is urging the Government to amend the Bill to create a standalone offence covering assaults on public transport workers and to ensure that BTP has the funding and resources required to properly police the transport network and protect frontline staff.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Violence and abuse against transport workers is rising at an alarming and unacceptable rate.
“However, the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill in its current form, risks leaving our members without the legal protection they need.
“Rail and transport staff amongst other duties, enforce ticketing rules, railway byelaws and safety regulations every day.
“This means they are at risk of violent assault, abuse and harassment and must be protected.
“It cannot be right that a retail worker and a railway worker could be assaulted in the same station but only one of them benefits from a specific criminal offence.
“The British Transport Police themselves have warned that the current approach is not sufficient, and they need both the legal powers and the resources to properly protect staff and passengers.
“The Government must act now by introducing a standalone offence covering assaults on public transport workers and all public facing workers alongside ensuring BTP is properly funded to tackle the growing problem of violence on our transport network.”
RMT also pointed to developments in Scotland, where a government-led working group involving unions, operators and law enforcement has recommended exploring new legislation to strengthen protections for railway staff.
The Scottish Government has accepted those recommendations in full.
The union is calling for a similar approach across the UK if ministers refuse to amend the Bill, including sector-specific working groups to examine violence against transport workers and bring forward stronger legal protections.
END
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