Redbridge waste collection staff have faced instances of public abuse, according to a recent report to the Redbridge Shareholder Reference Group.
The report, presented at the group's meeting on Wednesday 17 September 2025, detailed an incident where a driver for Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) Ltd, the company responsible for waste collection in the borough, was assaulted by a member of the public. The driver sustained significant injuries to his right arm and was hospitalised.
According to the RCS Quarterly Performance Report, RCS responded swiftly to the incident, ensuring the driver received medical care, police involvement, and emotional support. The driver has since returned to work.
The council is taking steps to address the issue of public interaction with waste collection staff. In addition to a social media campaign, the council is continuing to work with RCS to raise public awareness of staff safety and explore additional protective strategies that can be adopted to keep the workforce safe, including through the development of the council's Safer and Efficient fleet strategy.
The social media campaign's theme is behind the uniform is a person
, encouraging the public to be kind. Employees have approached the council about the way the public interacts with the workforce and LBR are pleased to report that a positive social media campaign has been developed with the council's communication as a result,
the report stated.
As a further measure, RCS has reviewed its risk assessment and decided to add a CCTV logo to staff uniforms, intending to help de-escalate potential conflicts with the public.
The Leader of the Council sent a personal letter to the driver, which was deeply appreciated and served as a meaningful recognition of the incident and the individual affected
, according to the RCS Quarterly Performance Report.
The Shareholder Reference Group also reviewed the RCS Draft Business Plan and the Changes to the Directors of RCS Ltd Report at the meeting.