Following on from our investigation into corruption and abuse at the Three Rivers Waste Depot, we spoke with a former employee who worked at the depot for 12 years.
A year into his time at the depot, the employee alleges that he was assaulted at work by another loader. He said he reported the incident, but nothing happened.
The former employee heard stories of members of front-line staff having disagreements which led to violent attacks in the depot. Nothing, he alleges, was ever done by management in response.
During his time as a loader, he claims he witnessed drivers and loaders under the influence of drink and drugs whilst at work and alleges that management was aware of this.
He alleges that there was a staff member who took advantage of a trade round by charging customers a cash-in-hand fee for additional weekly collections. The former employee alleges that this behaviour went on for over a decade and was known by management.
The former employee alleges that he witnessed a management van arrive into the depot loaded with items from a house clearance. The management, he says, proceeded to have a “free for all”, taking for themselves paintings, china and vinyl records.
Christmas bonuses were given only when employees had 100 per cent attendance within a certain period. The former employee claims, however, that staff members who were close to management were able to bypass this rule and gloated about the fact in front of the other staff.
Unable to cope any longer, he handed in his notice.
He said: “I felt very uncomfortable. I went home and felt so low even though I was trying to look forward to a new start.”
Three Rivers District Council has been contacted for comment.
A spokesperson from Three Rivers District Council said:
“The council takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously and investigates them. These are historic allegations and relate to internal HR matters which have been thoroughly investigated, after which some employees left the council’s employment. No further public comment can be provided. In line with our internal and customer facing policies, the council openly encourages and has always encouraged anyone, including staff, to report any such allegations directly so that they can be properly investigated as they were in this case, and where proven, addressed.”
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