Bin workers are calling for “recognition” of the extra workload they face after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Glasgow Times yesterday reported on the volume of rubbish that has built up over the last two weeks.

There were no bin collections on the public holidays of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2.

In areas across the city, bin stores have been crammed full, back court areas are overflowing and street recycling points overwhelmed with extra waste generated over the holidays.

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Chris Mitchell, GMB cleansing organiser, said: “We are looking for recognition of the additional manual handling and the hazardous work.

“There is a council commitment to have the waste that built up cleared by the middle of the month.

“Our members are looking for a little bit of time at the end of the day, 10 or 15 minutes, but we have been told the answer is no.

“There has been something of this nature in place before.”

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Mr Mitchell said the refuse collectors work 12-hour shifts and the work after Christmas is much heavier and poses greater risks due to more glass and also “putrid” food waste.

Glasgow City Council however said that any time off at the end of the day is effectively a pay rise and would have implications for equal pay.

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A spokesperson for the council said: “Approaches to shift management such as job and finish or depot closure which lead to staff receiving the same pay for working less than their contracted hours are not compatible with our commitments to equal pay.

“There are currently delays to household bin collections across the city following the festive holidays and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

“Annual leave and sickness among our teams along with weather events such as flooding and snow can also cause disruption to collections.”

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While it is accepted it will take time to clear the larger than normal volume, the council said measures are in place.

The spokesperson added: “We are working hard to ensure all collections return to their normal schedule as soon as possible.

“To support the effort to clear the build-up of waste, staff have been offered overtime, colleagues from other parts of the service have been redeployed temporarily and, where appropriate, agency staff brought in.

“We are fully aware of potential risks associated with lifting excess waste but health and safety procedures, training and PPE equipment are all intended to protect the well-being of staff.”