The company has today (23 November) launched an initiative called StreetKind, a new campaign featuring communications “thanking residents who recognise the hard work of their teams and taking stronger action against those who abuse or endanger its staff”.
This comes after the company said reports from frontline staff more than doubled, with a 118% increase compared to the previous year.
Whilst Veolia says the majority of people are “respectful and kind to frontline staff”, a rise in the most serious cases of physical and verbal abuse has led to a new commitment from the company to pursue more prosecutions.
The campaign “builds on previous initiatives within the company focusing on building a safe workplace” and includes a training programme to support staff to defuse situations, handle instances effectively and how and when to involve the police.
Frustration at being stuck behind a collection vehicle or queues at recycling centres are listed as the most common reasons for abuse.
Hearing stories of abuse has been increasingly distressing
– Beth Whittaker, Veolia UK & Ireland
‘Distressing’
Beth Whittaker, chief human resources officer of Veolia UK & Ireland, said: “I talk to our people on a regular basis and they are passionate about their work and their teams, but hearing their stories of abuse, especially in the last six months, has been increasingly distressing. No one should be abused simply for doing their job and we’re determined to combat this unacceptable trend.
“As well as appealing to the public to show their appreciation for our teams, we are also focusing on training and support for our employees to respond to incidents. We will take the most serious action for the most serious attacks, including prosecutions, in order to build a safer workplace environment for our colleagues.”
Phase
The campaign launches for its first phase across 20 local authority areas, including some of the worst affected areas in Hampshire, Essex and South London, Veolia explained.
The waste management company added that StreetKind will thank residents for their patience and invite them to engage “with our hard working teams”.
Veolia hopes to decrease the instances of abuse, but has pledges to staff that reports will be investigated and strong action taken when necessary. StreetKind will be localised to each area and will launch with the full support of the local councils and Veolia’s executive board.
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