Job losses will lead to ‘serious consequences’

COUNCIL chiefs have been asked to give assurances that more than 100 temporary cleansing staff will be kept on to tackle the “Dickensian” condition of some of Glasgow’s streets.

The former Labour administration unveiled a £20million funding package last year, creating 134 new one-year, fixed term posts across Land and Environmental Services.

The GMB is warning that a failure to retain these jobs beyond 2018 will have “serious consequences” for the city’s cleanliness.

GMB Scotland Organiser Benny Rankin said: “Glasgow needs sustained investment in LES if we are serious about tackling the shameful state of our city and the retention of these cleansing jobs would be a statement of intent by the new administration.

“The city has been hammered by budget cuts over the last decade and its austerity shame is evidenced in rubbish-strewn streets and living conditions in some of our communities that can only be described as Dickensian.”

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, said: “This year’s council budget, which received cross party support, was an indication of how seriously the council takes its responsibility for providing a clean, safe environment.

“We have an ambitious bin replacement programme planned which will bring health and safety improvements for staff and social improvements for residents.

“The City Government will continue to work with trade unions to protect employment and offer future opportunities for staff.”