Workers left with no place to go

Council cuts to public conveniences are leaving workers with no place to go, the public sector union UNISON has warned. It says workers suffering from too few loos include paramedics, transport workers, police community support officers, postal workers and bin men who spend their working day out and about. The union is calling for free, convenient, and safe access to toilets for both those inside a workplace and for those who are mobile. It says the situation has been worsened considerably by government cuts. Heather Wakefield, UNISON head of local government, said: 'Government cuts to council budgets have led to many closing facilities leaving many areas without public toilets. For mobile workers, finding a toilet while on the move is a daily problem.' She added: 'The idea that you can just go into a shop or restaurant and ask to use the toilets is just not on. Some are helpful - particularly to those in uniform - but many times people are met with a sign saying 'customers only'. It is embarrassing.' UNISON said members are also experiencing difficulties caused by workplace restrictions on toilet breaks, particularly in call centres. In a recent UNISON survey of call centre workers, around 28 per cent reported that access to a toilet was a problem. The union says for the sake of health, safety and welfare, as well as dignity, free and safe access to toilets as needed must be addressed, both for those in a workplace and those who are mobile. The call for better access to toilet facilities comes in the union's response to a consultation on the Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace Health, Safety, and Welfare Regulations.

UNISON news release.

IOSH news report.