UCATT have vowed to fight for the job of every worker formerly employed by Fountains on Norwich City Council contracts.

Over 150 workers were made redundant in Norwich this week after Fountains was bought by OCS. As a result of the takeover there have been a total of 450 job losses.

Fountains which was formerly Connaught Environmental Services, whose parent company Connaught went into administration in September 2010, were contracted to undertake a large number of services for Norwich City Council, including street cleaning, upkeep of parks and gardens and grave digging.

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Brian Rye, Regional Secretary for UCATT Eastern Region, said: "It is absolutely disgraceful the way in which Fountains without any warning or consultation have dumped these workers who have dedicated their lives to public service."

Mr Rye has already met with the Council and is exploring ways in which the workers can be re-engaged with a new contractor.

Mr Rye, added: "We are looking to council and any incoming contractors to ensure that these workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own are swiftly re-employed. They should not suffer due to the failings of others."

UCATT are also seeking assurances that the separate but connected refuse contract is not affected by Fountains demise.

(CD/GK)