RAIL union RMT called on the government today to introduce a specific criminal offence for assaulting public transport workers in line with retail staff.

It is supporting a cross-party amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, tabled by peers, which would introduce a standalone offence for assault of a public facing worker, including transport workers.

The union’s call came ahead of a debate on the Bill in the Lords and is in response to the government proposing a specific offence for assaults on retail workers but not for those working on public transport.

RMT warned that the Bill, in its current form, risks creating a two-tier system of protection.

It cited latest British Transport Police (BTP) data that shows a 21 per cent increase in violent incidents against transport workers between April and November 2025.

And a survey of more than 6,000 RMT members found nearly two-thirds had experienced workplace violence in the past year, often repeatedly.

Transport workers frequently carry out enforcement duties, including checking tickets, dealing with fare evasion, and applying railway byelaws, which makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse and violence, the union said. 

RMT’s survey found fare disputes and incorrect tickets were the most common trigger for assaults, cited by nearly two-thirds of respondents.

The BTP, in evidence to Parliament, has warned that failing to include transport workers in the new legislation would create a serious legal imbalance where workers in the same station could face different levels of protection depending on their job.

RMT also wants to ensure that BTP has the funding and resources required to properly police the transport network and protect front-line staff.

Its general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Violence and abuse against transport workers is rising at an alarming and unacceptable rate.

“However, the government’s Crime and Policing Bill in its current form, risks leaving our members without the legal protection they need.

“Rail and transport staff amongst other duties, enforce ticketing rules, railway byelaws and safety regulations every day.

“This means they are at risk of violent assault, abuse and harassment and must be protected.

“It cannot be right that a retail worker and a railway worker could be assaulted in the same station but only one of them benefits from a specific criminal offence.”