Workers in a lather over soap shortage

MANUAL workers claim they can’t wash their hands because a cash-strapped council is scrimping on soap.

Maintenance staff employed by East Dunbartonshire Council are in a lather because the men’s toilets haven’t had any soap for six weeks.

Around 200 workers, including plumbers, plasterers, roofers and labourers are based at the Broomhill depot in Kirkintilloch.

Workers based at the Environment Connect depot provide maintenance services for the council’s portfolio of 3,500 homes.

Employees claim the council is also compromising health and safety by making cuts to courses including working safely with ladders and asbestos as well as machinery checks.

A source said: “There’s been no soap for six weeks and we still don’t have any. There’s over 200 men using those toilets every day.

“Last time they never paid their water bill and we were out of bottles in the machines.

“They have also stopped putting workers on some courses. working at heights on ladders.

“They took away the asbestos awareness courses, they don’t do machinery checks.”

In common with other councils, East Dunbartonshire is battling to balance the books. The council is facing its largest every funding gap of around £11.3 million required over 2017/18.

In February, the council agreed a range of measures aimed at meeting the shortfall including a three per cent increase in Council Tax and with no enforced job losses or service reduction.

A council spokesman said: “East Dunbartonshire Council has various mechanisms and forums for employees to raise their concerns.

“These are well established and issues are responded to appropriately by line managers and through these channels.

“Any matters raised in the depot or in other locations will be responded to as and when brought up.

“Training is organised to prepare and maintain employees to carry out the roles they deliver.”