TfL Ref: FOI-0833-1718

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 7 July 2017 asking for information about instances of anti-semitism.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.

Since 2014, there have been four incidents reported by our staff involving the use of anti-Semitic language. Two of these incidents involved a member of the public using anti-Semitic language directly towards members of staff, the other two incidents were between members of the public with the culprits using a variety of insulting language which contained within this anti-Semitic content.

All four instances were reported immediately to the British Transport Police, statements were taken from our staff, with one incident leading to an immediate arrest at the scene.

Any form of hate crime is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Customers and TfL staff have the right to travel and work without fear of abuse or intimidation and we urge anyone who witnesses, or is victim, to report it immediately. Last Year TfL, alongside the British Transport Police, City of London Police and Metropolitan Police, launched the #WeStandTogether campaign which seeks to reassure passengers and give them practical information about what to do should they ever fall victim to hate crime.

Alongside instances of hate crime, TfL also takes workplace violence extremely seriously and we always encourage staff to report any instance of abuse whether physical or non physical so that preventative measures can be taken, and the strongest penalties taken against offenders.  TfL has staff dedicated to workplace violence reduction embedded or working alongside the Metropolitan Police Service and the British Transport Police.  These special units were established to investigate physical assault and verbal aggression on staff, public order offences and hate crimes, amongst other offences.  These units have significantly improved the quality of staff assault investigation, as well as victim care and support. 

The London Underground Unit offers additional services to the British Transport Police in gathering evidence to prosecute offenders, working with staff and managers to help reduce the instances of workplace violence across the network and in providing additional support to those staff who may have to give evidence in court.  Over the past five years more than 1,300 people have been prosecuted for such offences and a further 180 dealt with by different means (usually a police caution).  We have also prosecuted offenders for other crimes against our staff such as disorderly conduct (causing harassment, alarm and distress) and unacceptable behaviour (by-law offences). 

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hill

Senior FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London