More than 150 workers were made redundant in Norwich on Monday after Fountains was bought by OCS. Although OCS has taken on 1,570 Fountains employees, around the country a total of 446 jobs have been lost as a result of the takeover.
Fountains was formerly Connaught Environmental Services, whose parent company Connaught went into administration in September 2010. It was contracted to undertake a range of services for Norwich City Council, including street cleaning, upkeep of parks and gardens and grave digging.
Ucatt eastern regional secretary Brian Rye said: “It is absolutely disgraceful the way in which Fountains without any warning or consultation have dumped these workers who have dedicated their lives to public service.”
Mr Rye has met with the council and is exploring ways in which the workers can be re-engaged with a new contractor.
Mr Rye added: “We are looking to council and any incoming contractors to ensure that these workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own are swiftly re-employed. They should not suffer due to the failings of others.”
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