RECYCLING centre staff in Fife have staged a demonstration at the council's Bankhead depot amid a dispute over health and safety concerns.

Unite the Union has warned that the protest against Cireco, who provide waste and recycling services on behalf of the council, could be followed by more action unless workers are listened to.

Unite Scotland chairperson John Gillespie says employees have been raising concerns for some time.

"Our members are not happy about how they are being treated. They are taking profits before people," he said. "We have raised a number of health and safety concerns and issues.

"They are taking so long to deal with it or not dealing with it so the wanted to do that today.

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"There were quite a number that turned out and they are looking at taking action again."

Mr Gillespie said ACAS is already involved in the dispute and they are waiting for further meetings to take place.

"Members have had enough," he added. "We are saying it should be brought back in house under Fife Council."

Fife Council said it was aware of the planned demonstration at Bankhead Depot and will ensure site safety is not compromised. There was no disruption to public recycling or waste collection services as a result of Wednesday's action.

Robin Baird, Chief Executive Officer for Cireco, said: “We welcome all dialogue with staff and always respond to any concerns raised by employees or the Trades Unions.

“Health and safety is a key ethos of the company and we continue to work with union colleagues and our workforce to reinforce this.

"At a regular Union Forum meeting earlier today, I offered to open all of our sites for trade union engagement to give colleagues the opportunity to meet with union members.”