A NUMBER of staff responsible for collecting recycling and waste in Somerset were sacked in January and February due to “breaches of the health and safety policy”.

We have had reports that between 15 and 17 members of staff were sacked from SUEZ in Bridgwater, with employees saying they’ve been “terrified for months, looking over [their] shoulders” as they have been worried about losing their jobs.

However, SUEZ would not confirm how many people had been let go.

The Bridgwater Mercury has been told a whole crew was sacked for breaking Covid-19 guidelines when they ate sandwiches made in a colleagues household, and members of staff were also fired after reversing a truck without crew members acting as guides.

A few of the members of staff who have been sacked have been at the company for years.

A spokesperson for Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) and SUEZ (the contractor that provides the collection service) said “a number of staff had their employment ended as a result of breaches of health and safety”.

“Since the beginning of the year a number of staff have, unfortunately, had their employment ended as a result of breaches of health and safety policy,”they said.

“This is regrettable, but this is an area where the highest standards have to be maintained to ensure that staff and the public go home safely at the end of each day.”

But staff members at the company feel they were let down after being told anyone who makes a mistake would be retrained and given a second chance.

“Our team are key workers who have provided an essential service throughout the pandemic and we value them highly,” added the spokesperson for SWP and SUEZ.

“We provide our people with comprehensive training and we are increasing the number who are permanent SUEZ employees rather than agency staff.

“Looking after our people means prioritising health and safety, and all staff receive safety training and are well aware of the safe working practices they must follow.

“Mistakes can happen and when appropriate we work with our crews to support them with additional training and guidance.

“However, when it comes to matters of safety in particular, there can’t always be a second chance when a mistake is made.

"Our disciplinary policy reflects this, with more serious breaches considered gross misconduct.”