Three out of four transport or London staff have said that they have been subject to violence at work during the pandemic, new research suggests. 

The Maritime, Rail, and Transport union have said its study of workers in public roles on the Transport for London and London Underground network needs more support. 

With more than half of staff reporting that they have been threatened with physical violence, 14% reported being spat at or targeted with bodily fluids, 28% racially harassed and 7% have been sexually assaulted. 

A further three out of five said they think violence has gotten worst since the start of the pandemic.

News Shopper: Staff are hoping for change. (PA)Staff are hoping for change. (PA) (Image: Canva)

Many of the 1,000 workers asked agreed that the Government "mixed messaging" around the lifting of Covid restrictions made the situation worse for staff.

The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch said: "Life on the front line of London’s transport has got harder and more dangerous for the key workers who have kept the capital moving during the Covid crisis.

"I don’t want to hear more condescending ‘Thank yous’ from Government ministers who are trying to drive down our members’ living conditions while sowing chaos in their shambolic response to the coronavirus."

Adding that they need "a total sea change in attitudes toward staff in which we see them as central to rebuilding passenger confidence and to creating a safer working and travelling environment".