BREAKS AND DIGNITY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2026 :: RMTnews 15 Over 400 union members responded to RMT’s ‘clean breaks and dignity in uniform’ survey to gather evidence on workplace welfare, breaks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and uniforms. The overall results highlight significant and recurring problems affecting a substantial proportion of members. The largest number of responses came from Churchill Cleaners, followed by Atalian Servest. Overall roughly one in three respondents expressed a significant level of dissatisfaction. The written comments provide further insight and show that, in many cases, these issues are serious and ongoing. Two issues that stood was that most respondents stated that replacement PPE is not issued promptly when requested and nearly half said that their uniform was not appropriate. Many members also raised concerns about access to mess rooms and the distance required to reach them during limited break times. In several cases, the time taken to walk to and from the mess room significantly reduced already short unpaid breaks. Members reported mess rooms being located several platforms away or on different floors, with journeys taking up to 10 minutes each way. Some workers described having to prioritise operational tasks, such as disposing of rubbish or moving equipment, before even being able to start their break. More concerning were reports that some cleaners were not allowed to use mess rooms at all. Several members described being asked to leave facilities by other staff or being told they were not entitled to use them. Others reported having no designated break space and being forced to take breaks on platforms, in public areas, or in vans. One respondent described taking meal breaks in a vehicle containing rubbish bags, including biological waste. A recurring theme in responses was the inability to take uninterrupted breaks. Members reported being contacted during breaks, asked to respond to spills, or pressured to justify taking time off. In some cases, radios could not be turned off during breaks, making it difficult to rest. Many members felt that management does not consistently respect their need for breaks and welfare facilities. Responses indicated that breaks are often disrupted during service delays, affected by rota arrangements, or refused altogether. Some members stated that they are ‘never’ allowed to take a proper break. Other issues included insufficient break time, heavy workloads, lack of privacy, and cramped or unsuitable break rooms. These conditions leave little opportunity for genuine rest and recovery. Access to clean drinking water and food-heating facilities was inconsistent. Some members reported having to buy their own drinking water, while others described broken or unhygienic facilities. One comment noted a long-broken vending machine in a mess room that had become a pest issue. Concerns about PPE were widespread with members reporting delays, unsuitable sizes, with men and women issued the same sizes regardless of fit. Gloves that are too small were reported to split easily, while other items were oversized and impractical. Several members expressed frustration at repeated promises regarding uniform provision and mess room improvements that had not been delivered. One workplace representative raised serious concerns about delays in issuing uniforms, lack of transparency over deliveries, and the absence of reassurance that correct quantities and sizes had actually arrived. When asked members highlighted a consistent set of priorities: • Longer and protected breaks to prevent burnout • Mess rooms closer to platforms and suitable for all staff • Clean, warm, and secure welfare facilities • Reliable access to clean drinking water and food- heating facilities • Properly fitting PPE and sufficient supplies at the start of shifts • Waterproof and seasonal uniforms • Secure storage and larger lockers • Improved staffing levels, including temporary staff during busy periods • Better management practices and respect for staff welfare Some members also raised issues around work-life balance, holiday arrangements, and the physical demands of long shifts without adequate rest. The comments provided by members point to systemic problems that directly affect health, safety, dignity, and wellbeing at work. Addressing these issues will require meaningful engagement, clear accountability and practical action rather than repeated assurances. HEALTH AND SAFETY BREAKS AND DIGNITY RMT ‘clean breaks and dignity in uniform’ survey