Abuse training plan for tradesmen

Tradesmen are being urged to sign up for training to help spot signs of child abuse when working in homes.

Charity NSPCC wants businesses to be able to raise concerns that other people may not see.

The “It’s Your Call” programme provides safeguard- ing training and guidance on who to tell if they have fears.

Last year in Scotland, the NSPCC’S Helpline referred 2,012 calls and emails to police or children’s services.

The largest category of concern was contacts from people concerned a child was being neglected (905 referrals) followed by concerns about physical abuse (401), emotional abuse (335) and sexual abuse (265).

NSPCC head of helplines John Cameron welcomed the training programme and said it could make a “real difference” to ensuring a child’s safety and wellbeing.