Council condemns ‘troubling increase’ in online abuse of staff

Bruce Sinclair, Local Democracy Reporter

A council’s staff are suffering online abuse that will not be tolerated, with incidents already being reported to police, its leader has said.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Tessa Hodson said: “Very sadly we have recently seen a troubling increase in the online abuse of Pembrokeshire County Council staff. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Actions online have consequences in the real world. Naming and abusing individuals goes way beyond any legitimate scrutiny of the council as a whole.

“Our employees are public servants who work hard to support communities across Pembrokeshire – the communities in which most of our staff also live.

“Many of our employees are carrying out extremely difficult roles, often dealing with complex and sensitive situations. They deserve respect, not personal attacks, intimidation or abuse.

“People have every right to question decisions and express their views, but there is a very clear line between legitimate scrutiny and unacceptable behaviour.

“When individuals choose to direct abuse at our staff, they are targeting people who are doing their jobs and serving the public.

“We will stand firmly behind our workforce and will not hesitate to take action where necessary. Serious cases, including threats, harassment and other potentially criminal behaviour, are and will continue to be reported to the police. We will also continue to support staff who find themselves subjected to such conduct.

“Nobody should have to face abuse for doing their job. Please treat our staff with respect they deserve.”

Fishguard’s relatively newly-elected county councillor Billy Shaw has previously raised the issue of online abuse, saying the duty of care for Pembrokeshire councillors and would-be ones if they are subject to “the cesspit of social media” online abuse needs to be more robust.

The issue was raised when members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s May full council discussed an action plan aimed at supporting greater diversity within the council.

Speaking at the meeting, recently-elected Fishguard North councillor Billy Shaw raised the issue of social media and councillors receiving abuse, saying: “One area that puts people off is social and the amount of abuse on it.

“As soon as you put yourself forward social media becomes a cesspit because your pollical views do not match someone who’s quite vocal on social media.

“I was wondering if there’s any way of putting protections for anyone who wants to put their name forward [to be a councillor]?

“I do know there’s a number of councillors sitting here who’ve been subject to the cesspit that is social media of late.”

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