Calls for stronger protection of enforcement sector workers after tragic death

Calls for stronger protection of enforcement sector workers after tragic death.

Enforcement companies in England and Wales rocked by the tragic death of a serving court officer have made an impassioned plea for greater protection of their staff.

Jeff Blair, 55, was seriously injured whilst working as a court bailiff in Shildon, County Durham, on 10 March, and died later in hospital. The suspect has now been charged with murder.

Heartfelt tributes were paid to the former police officer from his family, work colleagues and ministers from across the political spectrum.

The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), the principal trade association for civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales, has joined forces with the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) to call for a series of measures to be introduced to better protect enforcement professionals and to prevent future tragedies.

The measures are designed to make enforcement safer for certificated enforcement agents, High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) and county court bailiffs, who all work closely with the public on a daily basis doing their job.

The two bodies, which between them represent more than 95% of the UK’s enforcement industry, have called for three key changes to be made:

1. Better training for police officers about the powers of enforcement agents and more use of Section 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which protects those working for the public sector.

2. Ministerial support for a cross-sector protection of frontline staff and a national register of assaults and threats of assault against enforcement agents.

3. Tougher penalties for people who attack and abuse enforcement professionals in their line of work, alongside other public sector workers.

In the last six months, in addition to the tragedy in Durham, an enforcement agent was attacked by three men while collecting unpaid council tax in Kent, resulting in him losing sight in one eye. In Hull earlier this year, two men assaulted an enforcement agent executing a High Court writ and stole his body worn camera. They were given suspended sentences and community service.

The bailiff in Hull had to take two weeks off work because of his injuries, including concussion. He later suffered anxiety, constant waking up at night, flashbacks and a “deep sense of vulnerability”.

Sarah Naylor, President of CIVEA, said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the individual who has tragically died, and with all enforcement professionals who have suffered abuse or violence while carrying out their duties.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the unacceptable risks faced by those working across our sector. Enforcement professionals are fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers; people who should never have to fear for their safety simply for doing their job.

“They are upholding the rule of law on behalf of the courts and local authorities, and it is only right that they are afforded the same level of protection and recognition as other frontline public servants. We now need to see meaningful action from government to ensure enforcement professionals are properly recognised, protected and supported, to prevent further harm.”

Alan J. Smith, Chair of the HCEOA, said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those affected by these recent tragic events. Unfortunately, they and the data collated by the ECB, show that this is a real live issue that cannot be ignored by Ministers. Everyone should have the right to go out to work and feel safe, protected and supported, whether they are police officers, firefighters, working in retail or working in enforcement, and we’re calling on government to recognise that and act accordingly.”

The tragedy in Durham comes after a new survey of CIVEA members shone a light on the unique challenges and pressures of the role. The research revealed almost half (48%) of the public would react aggressively or with verbal or physical abuse towards an enforcement agent visiting their property despite public sympathy for their role.

This was reinforced in a recent industry report by the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) which recorded 1,535 assaults or threats of assault on enforcement agents between January and

June 2025 - equal to eight or more assaults every day. Of these, 184 assaults were physical and some agents required hospital treatment.

These figures underscore the challenging nature of providing an essential public service which enforces over £1bn in unpaid debt each year. The money enforced by agents goes towards funding vital local services, including schools, libraries, adult and children’s care and road repairs.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of CIVEA, added: “The survey findings are a clear reminder that the industry must continue to strengthen the resources available to agents, ensuring they feel safe, valued and equipped to manage the demands of the job.

“CIVEA member firms are committed to fostering a culture where wellbeing is prioritised, whether through training resources or practical support on the ground. By investing in our people, we are not only protecting those working in enforcement, but also helping to ensure better outcomes for the communities they serve.”

Further information is available by visiting www.civea.co.uk

ENDS

For more information contact: Paul Suart, PLMR (07824 606513) or email civea@plmr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

· The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the principal trade association representing civil enforcement agencies employing around 1500 certificated Enforcement Agents in England and Wales.

· CIVEA is partnered with the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), which provides independent oversight of the enforcement industry.

· CIVEA represents approximately 40 companies that make up more than 95% of the entire enforcement industry.

· CIVEA’s members work to enforce civil debt on behalf of local authorities and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) including unpaid council tax, criminal fines and unpaid penalty charge notices.

· High Court Enforcement Officers and certificated enforcement agents are eligible to be members of CIVEA. Authorised by the High Court, HCEOs can seize goods for debts over £600. Certificated enforcement agents are authorised by courts to collect debts like council tax, parking fines and commercial rent, often acting under a liability order.

· County court officers are court-employed agents who act on a warrant of control to seize and sell goods for County Court Judgments (CCJs). · Enforcement is a significant sector in England and Wales. As reported by the ECB Insight Report (2026), The industry received almost 3.7 million cases for enforcement between 1 January – 30 June 2025, with a total debt value of £2.2 billion. Civil enforcement prevents