A public officer of the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) was assaulted last Friday while carrying out his duties, the Corporation said yesterday.

The officer suffered a serious facial injury at the hands of a job-seeker who took objection to being referred to work.

This is the third time that such an incident has occurred in the last few weeks.

The necessary legal action has been taken.

The Corporation said in a statement that it pursues a strict policy of zero tolerance with respect to aggression towards its staff.

“Such aggression is a serious health and safety problem, characterised not only by physical attacks but also by threats and verbal abuse or harassment in circumstances related to one’s work.

“The Corporation recognises that it has a serious duty to take all steps to protect its staff from risk of assault and is developing explicit policies and arrangements to minimise such risks.

“Employees have every right to courtesy and cooperation in the course of their duties.

“The Corporation will report all incidents of violent, abusive or threatening behaviour to the police, and will seek prosecution with the maximum penalty in every case,” the statement concluded.