A new report on the operations of the UK Border Agency in South West and
The report said that the office space was inadequate, unclean, inaccessible to the physically challenged and the systems were not up to date. Employees did not have enough access to computers, immigrant systems or a networked system of computers at the ferry point. As a result of this lack of access, workers could not check passengers who arrived at the ferry terminal.
In a more shocking revelation, scores of dead insects were found in the light fixtures of the offices. Workers blamed the insects on the large number of dead pigeons littering the adjacent abandoned building. They said that conditions became worse in higher temperatures when insect count multiplied, resulting in a stench.
According to the comments in the report, many dead pigeons were lying scattered on the floor of the adjacent building. This was unbecoming of a workplace and proved that the Agency’s offices were clearly lacking in health and safety. Such a workplace would also have an implication on the morale of workers.
The study found that many staff members had spoken of their displeasure with the management and leadership in the sections studied in the report. They commented on the lack of dialogue between superiors and workers. Even some bullying incidents were alluded to. There were no specific protests or complaints raised, but several staff members voiced their displeasure about the management, a clear indication that there were problems.
The Chief Inspector has ordered that workers are given safe and ample accommodation at the earliest. The Agency has approved a sum of £2,000 towards minor improvements.
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