GMB says Brighton bin depot report 'unbalanced' as reps criticised

Workers at the bin depot in Hollingdean, Brighton, are regularly racist, sexist, homophobic and bully their colleagues, an independent report found.

A samurai sword, nun chucks and knives were found on site and one manager was accused of drug taking and drinking alcohol on shift.

Another manager was told they were the cause of an employee’s fatal heart attack while a GMB representative pressured a vulnerable person to withdraw a complaint about bullying by two staff members who were described to me as being ‘very close to the GMB’. The vulnerable person later killed themselves.

Many accused in the report are either GMB representatives or among roughly ten white men described as having been protected by the union reps.

But the union has criticised how the report was put together saying many of the allegations cannot be properly investigated.

The GMB has criticised the report (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

A spokesman said: “The type of language and behaviours alleged in the report are entirely unacceptable and employees and the people of Brighton and Hove need to have confidence that these have been investigated thoroughly and correctly.

“However, GMB is very concerned that this report fails the basic test of fairness. It has been compiled and published without contributions from people who are the subject of allegations, raising serious questions regarding its balance.

“There are also a number of areas where sweeping allegations are made on the basis of anonymous, unsupported statements that cannot be fairly assessed.

“The limitations of the report does not help with the vital task of ensuring there is a healthy and safe working environment at the Cityclean depot.

“GMB is clear that when incidents are identified and properly assessed as not meeting expected standards, we take firm action. Our commitment to facing down discrimination and bad behaviour is unwavering.”

But Brighton and Hove City Council say the process of speaking with alleged perpetrators has now begun.

City council chief executive Will Tuckley said: “During these processes, statements will be made available to alleged perpetrators as it is appropriate to do so, and in order for individual cases to be heard fairly and through due process.

Hollingdean Depot, Brighton (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

“Many of the statements used in disciplinary processes will not be anonymous, but it would not be appropriate for any of this confidential information to be in the public report.

“Some of those who spoke to the report did so anonymously for fear of potential retaliation."

"As well as individual cases, the report uncovers a culture that requires urgent change and provides vitally important information for us all to work together in making that change.

READ MORE: Brighton Cityclean depot: Full report into suicide, drugs and violence

“It is our view that the report provides a much needed springboard for the vital task of ensuring a healthy and safe working environment at the Cityclean depot.

“The council has written to GMB to ask to meet to discuss this but has not yet had a response.

“The council has not yet had any communication from GMB about the action they are taking in response to the very serious issues of both behaviours and weapons.”