The Sunderland Echo report:
ATTACKS and threats on Jobcentre staff in Sunderland have almost tripled during the past year.
The latest figures spark concerns that workers are increasingly open to abuse from Wearsiders struggling in the current economic climate.
Staff at the city centre’s Jobcentre in John Street have suffered cuts and bruises after they were hit by irate customers, another was struck in the chest, while others managed to avoid injury by triggering alarms.