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Exploitation pays for Wandsworth’s low council tax

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“This exploitation of lower paid workers, many of whom are migrant workers, working directly for the public in a borough with average earnings for residents working full time of £64,761 has to stop since these lower paid workers deserve the support of the all fair minded people”, says GMB Southern

GMB, the union for staff employed by outsourcing contractors, commented on the statement by Wandsworth Council that the proposed Band D council tax of £770.31 is half of the level of council tax in other London boroughs.

Paul Maloney, GMB Southern Regional Secretary said: "It is the lower paid staff employed by outsourcing contractors working for Wandsworth Council that are paying a very high price for this boasting about the lowest council tax in the country.

"We are talking about staff employed by outsourcing contractors like Continental Landscapes doing street cleaning, ISS doing estate cleaning and Quadron doing parks and gardens and NSL parking attendants. Other workers in the area employed by outsourced contractors are school cleaners, home care staff, refuse staff as well as facilities management staff across the borough.

"The lowest rate for the outsourced workers at Quadron and ISS is the national minimum of £7.83 and the lowest rate for street cleaners at Continental Landscapes is £8.50.

"For those on or just above the national minimum wage this is more than £2.70 per hour below a London living wage of £10.55 per hour. For full time workers this is over £100 per week or £5,600 per year below the living wage levels. The same goes for the other terms and conditions like the parking attendants who face disciplinary action after period of sickness and not paid at all if absent due to industrial accidents.

"This is a very big saving for the council taxpayers of Wandsworth. Sadly, many seem oblivious at this exploitation of the lower paid workers many of whom are migrant workers working directly for them to keep the streets clean, grass mowed etc.

"GMB is calling for Wandsworth Council to follow the lead of Kensington and Chelsea Council by adopting a policy that all outsourced contractors will be funded and required to pay London living wage of £10.55 per hour.

"This exploitation of the lower paid workers, many of whom are migrant workers, working directly for the public in a borough with average earnings for residents working full time of £64,761 has to stop. These lower paid workers deserve the support of the all fair minded people."

 

Contact: Paul Grafton 07714 239092 or GMB Southern Press Office 07970 114762

 

Notes to Editors:

Wandsworth Council Press Release - The average council tax bill in Wandsworth is set to remain one of the lowest in the country (February 14 2019) http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/article/14928/the_average_council_tax_bill_in_wandsworth_is_set_to_remain_one_of_the_lowest_in_the_country