Alcohol and cash gifts ban for bin workers

A COUNCIL has caused consternation among bin workers after it banned its employees from accepting gifts of alcohol or cash at Christmas time.

East Dunbartonshire Council has introduced the rule under its anti-bribery policy.

If any bin workers are caught breaching the rule they could potentially lose their jobs.

Traditionally, residents have given bin workers a gift to say thank you for their efforts over the course of the year, often taking the form of beer or chocolates.

A spokesman for the East Dunbartonshire branch of Unison says the wording of the new rules has been changed without their agreement.

Union representative Tommy Robertson said: “The draft policy said gifts of alcohol or offers of hospitality however small should not be ‘automatically’ accepted by employees.

“The omission of the word ‘automatically’ was never made known to the trade unions prior to this policy being accepted by the council. We are now making inquiries.”

One refuse worker said: “The men get good tips at Christmas and I’m sure it helps them a lot at this time of year.

“It’s the only time of year when the boys get appreciation from the public.”

Depute chief executive, Ann Davie, said: “The council’s anti-bribery policy was developed in line with our approach to Partnership at Work and was approved by council earlier this year.

“It also reflects the requirements of the Bribery Act 2010.”