A DELAY to the roll out of new food waste collections could risk seeing staff take on alternative roles, a report has warned.
The service had been scheduled to start this month, but specialist collection vehicles have not arrived.
Lichfield District Council said the supplier of the wagons had “experienced exceptionally high demand” due to local authorities across the country rolling out the scheme.
It said a launch in the summer was now anticipated for the service.
But a report to the Joint Waste Committee said the delays could have a knock-on impact on the introduction of collections.
“The delayed start of contracts for new staff means a risk of losing some if other permanent jobs become available.
“We are doing all we can to ensure they are given some shifts by reducing rest day cover and encouraging main staff to take leave.”
The delayed roll-out has also impacted on the storage of caddies ahead of their delivery to local households.
The report added:
“Caddies are stored at a local farm outside under tarpaulin as the farmer required his internal storage back. Consideration was given to moving them, but doing so requires artic lorries so they have been left in situ.
“One curtain-sided vehicle has been procured to support caddy delivery and we are looking to source a further vehicle. These will be sold at auction following roll-out. Remaining vehicles will be hired.”
The report will be discussed at the Joint Waste Committee meeting on 16th April.
