Commenting on the government’s plan to tackle polluting water companies announced today (Tuesday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe-Merriman said:
“It’s encouraging to see the government recognise the challenges Environment Agency staff face, but ministers’ plan is still well wide of the mark.
“Despite the best efforts of the workforce, spills have caused irreversible harm to coasts and rivers. Adding a handful of inspectors will make little difference.
“The government’s failure to fund the Agency properly has put staff under mounting pressure. Many have quit their jobs, leaving those still in post overburdened, having to take on extra shifts to tackle the many storms, floods and pollution incidents.
“Ministers sat back and watched this escalating crisis unfold and have come up with an inadequate response that falls far short of what’s needed.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 377215 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
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