CARE workers in St Helens have reported being abused and spat at by members of the public while visiting clients.

Among some of the reports, care workers say they’ve been spat at and subjected to threats and verbal abuse.

This has included being called “corona spreaders” and “dirty scabby carers”, and told to sit “at the back of the bus” by other public transport passengers.

Kerry Linaker of SOS Homecare said: “Our staff are understandably anxious and worried about the abuse that’s happening across the country. Mental health and wellbeing is rightly high on everyone’s agenda right now, and we do everything we can to support this with our staff.

“We can change shift patterns or arrange cover, we can support them to report matters to the police if they wish to, and communicate with our staff to ensure they’re alert and vigilant when out in the community.”

Managers of local home care provider Victoria Community Care, said: “All our care workers are dedicated and caring in their vital role to support the vulnerable residents in St Helens. When incidents like this are reported to us we are shocked and upset to hear that our staff members are subject to this kind of abuse.

“Their safety and well-being is our priority, especially as many of our care workers are lone working when incidents like these happen.”

Cllr Marlene Quinn, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It sickens me to know that this kind of abuse goes on in our borough, that there are people so cruel and moronic as to abuse these dedicated key workers in public as they go about their vital work under such great pressure.

“And it’s saddening to know that many of them just take it in their stride, because they’re focused on their job, or because they don’t think reporting such despicable behaviour to the police for what it is, a crime, is worth the trouble.

“Care workers are by their nature kind and generous people; they want to help others. And they’re on the frontline of this fight against coronavirus alongside our NHS, putting their lives at risk to provide excellent care and attention to the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It’s one of the reasons that the Clap for Carers and key workers every week is really important. This abuse comes from a tiny minority, while the rest of us wholeheartedly support and depend on our carers and key workers. It’s important that we show them our support loudly and proudly.

“It’s in our power as residents to help by speaking up, going to the aid of care workers and reporting what we see, as many who have witnessed this abuse have done so. I thank you for this.”

St Helens local policing Superintendent Tami Garvey-Jones added: “We fully support all our frontline staff and key workers who are trying to do their job, and look after the more vulnerable members of our communities, in what are very difficult circumstances.

“Abuse of this kind will not be tolerated and we will be robust in investigating incidents of this nature, identifying the people responsible and bringing them to justice.

“I would ask anyone who has been subjected to an incident of this nature to report it to us either through @MerPolCC, via our website, or even through the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111 so that we can support them and take positive action.”