The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council has warned anyone trying to undermine ongoing efforts to improve the working culture at the city’s waste service will not succeed.
Councillor Bella Sankey reiterated the council’s steadfast determination to tackle historic issues relating to Cityclean as she confirmed further incidents of potential criminal behaviour were now being investigated by Sussex Police.
These include Cityclean managers having their car tyres cut and direct threats of serious harm made to staff and their households.
The council launched a string of disciplinary procedures immediately after the publication of an independent report by King’s Counsel Aileen McColgan in November last year.
The report was published following a three-month investigation and included testimonies from more than 70 witnesses after Councillor Sankey called for an independent inquiry when whistle-blowers came forward alleging sex discrimination, racial harassment and other abuses.
It found many of the individuals accused of these and other inappropriate behaviours were among a group of around 10 white men who were described by witnesses as having been particularly protected by the local GMB branch within the council. Earlier this year a former employee and GMB rep at the depot was charged with possession of a samurai sword and will stand trial later this year.
Since the publication of that report the council has continued taking significant steps to improve the situation, including launching disciplinary action against staff suspected of being involved.
At present the council has taken out 99 separate disciplinary actions at Cityclean since 2023. A total of 37 members of staff have now left the organisation since the KC report was published, while others remain suspended pending the results of on-going HR procedures.
Councillor Sankey confirmed the council has passed the concerning recent examples of potentially criminal behaviour to Sussex Police and will continue to do.
She said: “When the depth of bullying, aggression, racism, misogyny and homophobia at the depot was exposed by the KC report, I promised colleagues and residents we would take a zero tolerance approach to this behaviour and begin the tough job of transforming our service into a high quality and reliable one
“The thuggery of a few in response to the decisive action being taken will not deter us. In fact it strengthens my resolve to root out this appalling behaviour.
“Any potential criminal behaviour, like the shocking incidents we have seen directed at colleagues in recent weeks, will be reported to Sussex Police.
“Our staff deserve a safe working environment free from intimidation and our residents deserve an excellent service and we will do everything necessary to deliver both.”