£1k starting bonus to help solve Somerset's missed collections
Anyone becoming a bin lorry driver in Somerset is from today being given a £1,000 pound starting bonus - as bosses try to stop further missed collections due to staff shortages.
Last updated 10th Aug 2021
Bosses have already introduced a £50-a-week staff bonus for hitting targets - and give out £1.200 to existing staff for staying more than six months.
Mickey Green, the MD of the Somerset Waste Partnership, said: "The new incentive reflects tough competition in Somerset, where the national Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver shortage is more acute due to many distribution hubs in and near the county.
"Staff shortages and the impact of covid, including the isolation pingdemic, have disrupted Somerset's waste services in recent months.
"The one-off £1,000 bonus from SUEZ is conditional on successfully passing a probationary period with associated performance standards.
"As well as using more agency drivers in the short term, Somerset needs more than 25 new full-time permanent LGV driver/loaders for local work collecting recycling.
"To help address this SUEZ is funding training for its recycling loaders to become LGV drivers, with the latest 23 candidates already going through an intensive course."
Matt Canning, SUEZ Contract Director, said: "Working in recycling keeps you fit and helps the environment. For those who want to develop their careers, there is plenty of scope to get on, such as the loader-to-driver courses.
"Our LGV drivers are working in Somerset, starting early but finishing early, with no overnight stays away from home. Our crews are part of the local community, providing an essential service in all weathers; it’s rewarding work."
MD Mickey Green added: "Unlike many LGV driving jobs, working on waste collections in Somerset means no lone working – you will be part of a team working together to make more than 400,000 kerbside collections per week.
"Starting early means a more family-friendly early finish, Monday to Friday, with no working away from home or overnight stays to contend with.
"SUEZ offers training and development opportunities and a generous benefits package."
See all job details click here or call 07970 724559.
To post a CV, include email and phone details, with preferred role and location, and write to: Gary Shimmin, Suez UK, Colley Lane, Parrett Way, Bridgwater TA6 5LB
For more about the ongoing staff shortages at the Waste Partnership and across Somerset click here
Wondering where does recycling go in Somerset once collected? Click here