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Welsh council-owned company criticised over employment management
Waste management company Amgen Cymru, owned by Rhondda Cynon Taf council, has been criticised by the GMB union over its employment practices.
The criticism comes after agency staff at the company were sent home at short notice without a full day’s pay.
The agency which represented the employees, Smart Solution Ltd, said it had always complied with statutory requirements.
The waste and recycling plant provides services for Rhondda Cynon Taf council and other authorities and includes two council employees as its board of directors.
Gareth Morgans, regional organiser for the GMB, said: “Amgen is an arm's-length company with directors from Rhondda Cynon Taf on the board... RCT introduced an ethical procurement policy earlier this year.
"I'm hearing of employees turning up for work in this organisation, working for an hour and then being tapped on the shoulder and sent home with no pay...that's 1960s-type employment practices - it shouldn't happen in the 21st Century."
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf council said: "Amgen Cymru operates as an arm's-length company and, therefore, contract tendering and other such operational issues are the responsibility of the company and its board of directors.
"The council was made aware of concerns with Smart Solutions by GMB and has since made contact with Smart Solutions to look into the matter. Smart Solutions have provided the council with reassurance on the matters raised."
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