IT is simply not acceptable that members of the ordinary working population should daily anticipate violence at work.

Yet violence, confrontation and aggression are what daily faces benefit office workers in Bolton and elsewhere.

Their major "defences" are the security screens that physically keep them from possible assault.

Now the Government wishes to get rid of these screens in a bid to make the premises more customer friendly when benefit offices and Jobcentres merge next year to create one-stop Jobcentre Plus offices.

Unsurprisingly, benefits staff are not happy with the removal of the screens. They have taken various action to try to change the mind of the Government, and over the last two days around 300 local staff have been taking part in a nationwide strike. The whole subject of benefits is a thorny one, with often disgruntled people in the offices. Unable to react against those who make the rules, they take it out on the most accessible -- benefits' staff.

In Bolton there have already been many different kinds of assaults, from regular spitting and verbal abuse to smashing up computers and even threats with weapons. No one should have to face this type of terrifying confrontation in their job, especially on a regular basis.

While we understand the thinking behind making local offices better and more positive places to be for clients, removing this staff security device is an unequal exchange.

Strike action is never a welcome option, especially as it hits the most vulnerable at a financially difficult time, but it is easy to understand the frustration which prompts it.

We hope that the Government sees sense over their grievance and comes to a compromise.

Potential personal violence is not a realistic clause within any job's terms and conditions. Baby bed scandal IT is a worrying situation when a tiny, very premature day-old baby has to be transferred to a hospital 60 miles away because there is no specialised "cot" for her nearer.

The plight of little Shannon Lee, and her mum Kimberley left back in Bolton, obviously highlights a distinct lack of regional facilities. We wish mother and daughter well. And we look forward to hearing positive news about the state of regional intensive care facilities for similar babies.