WRITTEN EVIDENCE
SUBMITTED BY
MICHAEL GRAHAM
[OS 14]
I correspond with you in a final attempt to have
G4s live up to their responsibilities regarding their shambolic
handling of the security measures for the London 2012 Olympic
Games—I am one of the hundreds, if not thousands, who were
left out of pocket, out of work and out of patience by their couldn't
care less attitude and unwillingness to communicate with those
to whom they promised employment yet failed to manage professionally
resulting in the military and police having to be drafted in to
provide security (and a magnificent job they did!) I have attached
a copy of an email that I have sent to G4s everyday since returning
to Northern Ireland from Glasgow where I was supposed to be working
at Hampden Park.
As G4s continue to ignore my emails (no reply, no
response) and state they are unable to deal with issues per telephone
(they supply the email address for complaints, HR and scheduling)
email is the only means of communication!
I complied with all requests from G4s (some at very
short notice) and in return I feel I have been unfairly treated
and as they fail to respond to email requests and state they cannot
answer individual requests per telephone I ask that you question
them on my behalf on that of many other ordinary members of the
public in similar situation.
August 2012
ANNEX
EMAIL TO G4S, 26 JULY 2012
My name is Michael Graham, I am a former Police Sergeant
with 32 years experience of Policing in Belfast, Northern Ireland,
where I reside with my wife and family. I also hold a level 3
City & Guilds qualification in Close Protection work. In March
of this year I read a local press article which stated that Security
Company G4s were actively recruiting for security personnel to
work at the London 2012 Olympic Games, I thought this would be
an excellent opportunity to work for a Global wide security company
and would certainly look good on my CV.
On 9 March 2012 I forwarded my application including
CV to G4s and received an email on 12 March 2012 to attend interview/assessment
for position of GROUP LEADER.
On 23 March 2012 I travelled to West Ham United football
ground for said interview/assessment. At the interview I was informed
that if successful I would be working in London with accommodation
and transport provided!
On 26 March 2012 I received an email from G4s to
the effect that I had successfully passed the interview/assessment
stage—that was the last contact I received from G4s despite
numerous emails and telephone calls to helpline numbers!
I had given up on hearing from G4s and was actively
seeking other work through Close Protection contacts. However,
on 4 July 2012 I received an email from G4s directing me to collect
my accreditation from Stephenson Street, London on 6 July 2012
(this left me with less than 48 hours to make travel arrangements!
I did attend as directed and was eventually issued
with my accreditation and OYSTER TRAVEL CARD as I was again told
that I would be working in London, specifically at the Olympic
stadium and that accommodation would be provided.
On 7 July I was contacted by G4s per telephone and
was asked when I would be available to start work, I stated I
could start immediately, the lady advised me that someone would
contact me later that week and again confirmed I would be working
in London, travel paid for and accommodation provided.
On 10 July 2012, I was contacted by xxxx from G4s,
he again asked about my availability to work and we agreed on
the date of deployment as being 13 July 2012—again he confirmed
my venue as being London Olympic stadium and that accommodation
had been secured—he stated that I should not make travel
arrangements until I received my work schedule email.
On 12 July 2012 I received an email containing the
work schedule of a xxxx payroll number xxxxxx !!!
Later that same date I received my work schedule—two
shifts working in Glasgow! As this was totally contrary to what
I had been told since March 2012 I emailed G4s—18 times
I emailed them only to get automated replies—the telephone
helpline number had a recorded message that the line was now "inactive"—how
was I meant to make contact?
On 23 July I took matters into my own hand and contacted
G4s at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel where I spoke with a xxxx xxxx,
he invited me to work at Glasgow and I made my travel arrangements
and went to Glasgow on 24 July 2012.
I spoke with staff at the Glasgow Hilton and they
arranged accommodation for me at Strathclyde University—the
only work they could offer me was as a Team Leader although I
had passed interview and assessment for Group leader—I accepted
that and was given my work schedule for the following day starting
at 18:45hours at Hampden Park, Glasgow, but before commencing
work I would have to collect my uniform at Hampden, I agreed to
do so.
On 25 July 2012 I took a taxi to Hampden park arriving
before 09:00hours to avoid any queues—I went into the complex
to collect uniform only to be told by staff that they were no
longer issuing uniform and had finished doing so the previous
evening! I was told that if I had dark clothing of a suit or jacket
and trousers that would suffice until I could sort out the problem
with uniform—as I had no such items of clothing with me
I got "a shake of the head" from staff. Totally frustrated
I left the complex as no-one in authority was prepared to speak
with me despite requests to do so! I collected my luggage from
the accommodation block and returned home to Belfast.
I was contacted today by xxxx and xxxx from G4S who
both sympathised with my situation and apologised profusely on
behalf of G4s for the manner in which I have been treated. I requested
details of how to make a formal complaint regarding my treatment
and also to enquire as to how to recoup some, if not all of my
travel expenses to date and Stephanie provided me with your email
address. I am out of pocket and out of patience with G4s and do
not wish to ever work for the company who, following my dreadful
experience, have lost any respect that I held for them.
I look forward to a positive and quick response,
hopefully less than the four months it has taken so far to get
any response!
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