UK

Waste company launches campaign to combat abuse

Andrew Gardner
Sun, 29 January 2023 

Veolia met with East Sussex County Council, and Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne in Newhaven (Image: Veolia)

A waste management company has launched a campaign to support its staff experiencing a rise in abuse.

SiteKind is a collaboration between Veolia, Brighton and Hove City council and East Sussex County council to combat abuse towards frontline workers.

According to Veolia, over half of public-facing staff have reported a rise in abuse, marking a 118 per cent increase compared to previous years.

The SiteKind campaign has set out to take stronger action to people who abuse or endanger their staff.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne attended the launch in Newhaven, and said: "Abuse of any frontline worker is simply not acceptable, especially when they are just trying to do their jobs, earn a living and make life easier for all of us.

“SiteKind is a simple message and a reminder to everyone to show frontline workers kindness and the respect they deserve.

"We’ve heard real-life examples across many industries where abuse has been detrimental to workers’ health and this then affects the services we all desperately rely upon.

“I look forward to supporting this important campaign and sharing it nationally with my PCC colleagues as it spreads a much-needed message both here in Sussex and across the country.”

SiteKind focuses on building a safe workplace and includes a training programme to support staff in defusing situations, handle instances effectively and know how and when to involve the police.

A spokeswoman for Veolia said: "Frustration at being stuck behind a collection vehicle or at queues at recycling sites are not reasons to abuse key workers and the company is reaffirming its support to staff who are victims of abuse."

The campaign is launching nationally, and is focused on the 12 household waste and recycling sites in the South Downs area.