Knife blankets needed to keep school staff safe, GMB Congress says

More resources, including knife blankets, are needed to keep school staff safe amidst rising levels of violence, GMB Congress said today.

Schools are becoming increasingly difficult workplaces and staff are facing heightened risk of encountering a knife or bladed object, with 700 knife crimes recorded by police in schools in England and Wales last year.

Jonathan Coles, GMB delegate, told Congress:

“Support staff frequently manage challenging behaviour, respond to safeguarding crises, and undertake de-escalation work.

“Yet they are expected to do this without appropriate protective equipment.

“That’s why GMB is calling for the establishment of clear national standards requiring all academy trusts, local authorities, and specialist education providers to provide knife blankets wherever risk assessments identify potential exposure.

“Knife blankets, alongside consistent training on their use, offer a practical measure for the protection of education staff.”