So today’s big story is the way that unemployed folk were shipped in as stewards to the jubilee celebrations.
I find it appalling that these conditions should be imposed in this day and age – setting people out to freeze (and it was bitterly cold) with nowhere to change. In principle I have no issue with people getting experience if it’s likely to lead to paid work later, and they’re supervised and trained, but this doesn’t seem to be happening.
Morgan and I were on Battersea Bridge for the river pageant, and can attest to the fact that the marshalls there were lovely. They were patient, friendly and kept smiling. As we have to have permission to get on and off the bridge for the toilet or for drinks, we got to recognise them and pass a few words.
They were given some (very thin) clear plastic jackets against the rain, but one did mention that they had been there all day without a break. We were there from 10am til 5pm. They were there before us and after we left.
They took a lot of abuse from crowds who wanted to get onto the bridge (as did the police). So if you’re reading this, Close Protection UK, shame on you for your appalling treatment of workers despite being paid handsomely (from public coffers) – let’s hope you do better in future.
And the boys on Battersea Bridge deserve fantastic references and jobs.
[...] blogged this story from a personal perspective, but from a professional one they’re in a [...]