A load of rubbish! Now festive tips for binmen banned
FOR years it was a Christmas tradition – families would slip the bin man a few quid or even a bottle of whisky as a thank you.
But refuse collectors may have seen the last of the popular festive gifts.
Angry bin men say they have been forced to sign ‘anti-bribery’ agreements banning them from accepting presents – a move one described as ‘very mean-spirited’.
The bizarre rule has been imposed by East Dunbartonshire Council. Workers can receive biscuits or sweets but not cash or alcohol.
One man, who works at the council’s Hilton Road depot in Bishopbriggs, said: ‘The men get good tips at Christmas and I’m sure it helps them a lot at this time of year.
‘Some may be living on the breadline and rely on these gifts. They may be using tips to buy their weans a few extra presents.
‘It seems very unfair these men now risk losing their jobs. I don’t understand why anyone would try to bribe bin men anyway.’
Unison said the wording of the council’s anti-bribery policy had 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. The omission of “automatically” was never made known to unions. We are making inquiries.’
Council depute chief executive Ann Davie said: ‘The council is wholly committed to preventing bribery and corruption.
‘All employees are forbidden from offering or accepting bribes or unlawful inducements to or from anyone for any purpose.’