Waste service 'mired in racism and homophobia'

Bullying and discrimination have been reported at the waste depot in Hollingdean

A report into whistleblowing complaints at Brighton and Hove City Council’s waste service provider has found it "mired in racism, sexism and homophobia”.

Initial independent inquiry findings into behaviour at Cityclean also found “swearing, shouting and threatening behaviour” were routine, including towards managers and senior managers.

The council said it took the claims with “the most extreme seriousness” and would be acting on the findings.

A spokesperson for the union GMB said it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations.

The summary report, by Aileen McColgan KC, was commissioned by city council leader Bella Sankey after several whistleblowers came forward.

The full report is due to be published before the end of October.

In a four-page summary published on Thursday, a “culture of racism, homophobia and sexism” was highlighted by one witness.

One manager said he came into work with a “bad taste in his mouth” as he knew he would be shouted at, pointed and yelled at.

Another manager described very personal comments made about her appearance while another alleged a “very misogynistic" culture at Cityclean's Hollingdean depot.

Ms McColgan's summary said: "I heard a number of Cityclean staff had been subject to racist name calling by their colleagues and that a truck had been regularly defaced with racist graffiti while parked in the depot.

“A number of witnesses said that much of the criticism aimed at women in senior management was related to the fact that they were women.

“One witness spoke of a culture of racism, homophobia and sexism and told me that a group of loaders (bin collectors) ‘catfished’ gay staff on Grindr.

“One witness, who told me he was gay, found himself the subject of homophobic ‘banter’ while another said that a lot of people on refuse had refused to work with him because he was gay.”

Council leader Bella Sankey is promising action over the report

'Entirely uncceptable'

Council chief executive Will Tuckley, who has written to Cityclean staff about the report, said: “We are all determined to improve the behaviour and culture at Cityclean to make sure it’s a fair and inclusive place for everyone to work, and to ensure the service we provide to our residents and businesses is the best it can be.”

Ms Sankey said: “Brighton and Hove City Council must be an organisation which has zero tolerance for bullying, aggression, racism, misogyny and homophobia.

"As the new council leader, the buck stops with me.

"I will ensure once we’ve completed necessary legal processes, the full report and recommendations are published and that we now take appropriate action to address the report’s findings for our staff and residents.”

A GMB spokesperson said the language and behaviours revealed in the report were "entirely unacceptable".

They said those at the centre of the allegations should be given the opportunity to respond, which should be reflected in the council's full report.

They added: "When incidents are identified that do not meet expected standards, we take firm action.

“Our commitment to facing down discrimination and bad behaviour is unwavering."

'Entirely unacceptable'

A spokesman for the GMB union, which represents many of the Cityclean employees, said: “GMB is deeply concerned about the allegations made in this summary report.

“The language and behaviours stated are entirely unacceptable.

"Individuals who are the subject of these allegations must be given the opportunity to provide their response, which should be reflected in the final full report from Brighton and Hove Council.

“In recent years, we have delivered a comprehensive process of positive change that has transformed our union.

"When incidents are identified that do not meet expected standards, we take firm action.

“Our commitment to facing down discrimination and bad behaviour is unwavering.”