Labour councillor Charlotte Atkins has alleged that workers in the recycling services in Staffordshire have been subjected to rules that control their free time.
Atkins claimed at a Staffordshire scrutiny meeting that bin workers have been told not to drink and other staff members were advised not to “have fun” at the weekends.
She cited an example of one worker who was injured and advised against “having a bit of a jig” during his free time. Additionally, another worker, who was a driver, was warned against drinking alcohol at any time.
Atkins expressed concern over the human resource practices of the dustbin and recycling collections, stating that employees could be easily bullied, making it challenging for them to raise issues with their employers directly.
She called for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to have proper oversight of the employment practices and for employees to have the opportunity to contact the council directly to ensure fair treatment.
Atkins suggested confidential employee surveys as a means for staff to report any issues arising within a particular contractor’s employment practices.
Atkins also discussed how freelance staff in the council’s leisure center provider had not received an increase in wages for several years. She stated that employees found it challenging to raise this issue, as they could easily be dismissed if they made a fuss.
In response to Atkins’ claims, Communities cabinet member Cllr Ross Ward said that some industries had stricter health and safety rules than others, such as the rail industry, which expects no alcohol consumption.
Ward stated that an objective assessment would need to be conducted to determine whether the rules implemented were reasonable or unreasonable.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has been approached for comment.
»UK Bin workers told they are not allowed to drink during weekends«
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