GMB demand Suez reinstate worker sacked after Health and Safety Executive visit site
GMB demand that Suez reinstate sacked Brentford member after Health and Safety Executive visit site
We are concerned that staff are being put at risk and when genuine health and safety concerns are raised, they are not taken seriously says GMB LondonGMB, the union for recycling and refuse workers, demand that Suez (part of Sita UK) reinstate our member who was dismissed after he had raised numerous Health and Safety concerns at the Suez recycling site in Brentford.
Jack Saffery raised numerous concerns about health and safety at the Suez site in Brentford. These concerns were not addressed and after 6 months of working at the site, Jack was advised that he had failed his probationary period and his contract was terminated.
Just last week, the HSE visited the site and closed down the machinery that the member had complained about.
Jack Saffery is currently taking legal advice and may pursue a claim at an employment tribunal.
Helen Purcell, GMB regional organiser said
“Jack Saffery was just getting his life back on track after living on the streets. He had secured a job with Suez through an agency and had been working hard to impress his new employer. The job had enabled him to find a home of his own and improve his life. Jack really enjoyed his job but had raised numerous concerns about health and safety at the Suez site in Brentford.
“I was appalled when I read the appeal letter that Jack had submitted to his employer, it read like a catalogue of accidents waiting to happen. Jack himself had been injured at work and when I researched the company, I discovered that a man had died at the site and there had been 2 fires there in as many years."
“Suez GB is contracted to run recycling services for a number of London boroughs. The site in Brentford has been blighted by numerous issues relating to health and safety and the environment. GMB is concerned that staff are being put at risk and when genuine health and safety concerns are raised, they are not taken seriously.”
Jack Saffery said,
"I am gutted to have lost my job and I now find out that the machinery I had complained about was closed down by the HSE when they visited the site just last week.”
ENDS
Contact: Helen Purcell on 07813 542046
