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: 鈥淚t 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.鈥�
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: 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
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