Staff at South East Water have expressed frustration and disheartenment after facing abuse from angry customers during a water crisis that left thousands without water in Kent and Sussex. The company had to set up bottled water stations across these regions in January to provide relief after taps ran dry for several days.

Frontline Workers Under Attack: A Growing Concern

Jo Galloway, regional secretary for UNISON in South East England, highlighted that a small but vocal minority of customers targeted frontline staff with verbal abuse. The workers, many of whom volunteered to help, were simply doing their best to provide essential services during a difficult situation. Galloway condemned the abuse, emphasizing that no worker should ever be subjected to such treatment, especially when they are not responsible for the crisis at hand.

Company’s Response: Prioritizing Staff Safety and Well-being

In response, South East Water has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees. A spokesperson from the company stated that they do not tolerate any form of abuse towards their staff and will report such incidents to the authorities as needed. “Safety is our number one priority,” the spokesperson added.

The company also addressed concerns regarding the challenging working conditions, acknowledging that some staff had been working in harsh weather conditions without adequate protective clothing or facilities, such as toilets, at certain locations.

Challenges Faced by Water Delivery Teams

Despite being paid employees, many of the staff working at the bottled water stations had volunteered to assist outside their normal job roles. Some employees drove long distances each day to stand outside from early morning until late at night, delivering water to those in need. However, these workers have indicated that they may be reluctant to volunteer again in the future, citing the difficult conditions and lack of proper support.

Commitment to Improving Working Conditions

South East Water has responded by stating that they make every effort to provide the best possible working conditions for their staff, especially during such demanding situations. This includes setting up welfare units at bottled water stations and ensuring that staff have the necessary personal protective equipment for their safety. The company advises all staff to wear suitable clothing to cope with the weather conditions, though some employees have highlighted that the provided gear was inadequate for the challenges they faced.

A Call for Better Support for Water Service Workers

The ongoing situation at South East Water underscores the importance of supporting frontline workers during emergencies. As the company continues to face operational challenges, the treatment and safety of its employees should remain a top priority. Workers have shown resilience and dedication, but without adequate support, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to continue performing under these harsh conditions.