Dustmen told to refuse tips

Staff at Stafford's household waste site have been banned from accepting Christmas gifts from grateful customers.

Not even a mince pie is allowed, according to bosses at Derbyshire based HW Martin Holdings Ltd.

They have written to union representatives asking them to agree the ban, which would affect 60 drivers and site workers at 13 tips.

Workers have re-acted angrily to the request, which could lead to disciplinary action if staff do accept gifts.

And Staffordshire County Council, which contracts Martins to run the sites, says in its eyes a mince pie or chocolates would be in order.

Spokesman Richard Caddy added: "We expect contractors to have their own rules, but would not expect them to impose rules harsher than our own.

"The general rule is that staff members should not accept gifts, but if it has a small monetary value then it is easier to accept than cause offence.

"A mince pie for a worker at a recycling centre would be OK, it would not be a problem, even a box of mince pies."

Alf Jackson, GMB representative at the St Alban's Road site in Stafford, said it was a great shame that the public could not show its gratitude.