REBECCA POW, MP for Taunton Deane and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Defra, has written a public letter to the UK waste and recycling industry.
In it, she thanks the sector workers for their dedication and commitment, insisting that the Government recognises that “your work is vital”.
“As a country we are all facing challenges and I know that you are feeling these too – staff absences, social distancing, a drop off in commercial waste and an increase in household waste,” the letter continues.
“Some of you have had to take difficult decisions to furlough staff or close down your operations. But you have also responded, adapted and maintained an excellent level of service where you have been able which protects public health and is crucial in keeping our society and economy going.
“Workers in the waste sector may not get the headlines that other workers do during this challenging time, but I want you to know that you are not forgotten within Government.”
You can read the letter in full HERE.
Responding to the minister’s letter, the executive director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Jacob Hayler, said: “We are grateful to the minister for acknowledging the tireless, but often overlooked, work of recycling and waste sector workers who continue to provide a vital public service during this crisis. Through their efforts, ESA members have been able to maintain good service levels in the face of unprecedented challenges.
“As the minister acknowledges, some operators and SMEs have already had to make difficult decisions about operations and staffing, so it is imperative that Government provides them with access to the financial support they need to see them through this crisis too. The ESA will continue to work closely with Defra and other government departments to ensure waste services keep moving effectively until this disease is overcome.”