Student tackles G4S over job scandal

A Warwick student has launched a Facebook group as an ‘open letter of complaint’ on G4S’ treatment of prospective employees during the London Olympics.

The group, set up 13 July are petitioning for an apology from security firm G4S for their treatment and compensation for expenses incurred.

G4S’ failure to communicate with applicants left some unexpectedly unemployed and others out-of-pocket.

Cameron Wauchope, founder of the group, received a written offer of work from G4S, only discovering through mainstream media coverage and G4S’ website that this was not going to be fulfilled.

Wauchope said he contacted G4S for information about his role but “they (G4S) claimed no one should have ever said I had a job” and G4S “still haven’t told me directly I am unemployed, but their website says no more training and I am yet to be trained”.

The group primarily seeks a public apology for their treatment, direct confirmation of their status from G4S and compensation for costs incurred during the application process and during attempts to confirm employment details with G4S in recognition of the opportunity cost of G4S’ decision to revoke employment.

However, one potential student employee – who is a member of the group – does not believe G4S will compensate without “direct government involvement” to ensure that prospective employees receive compensation as she “no longer trusts G4S to honour their commitments”.

When asked to comment on why he established the group, Wauchope cited his anger at how he was treated and his awareness that “there had to be hundreds, if not thousands, like me and I wanted to reach them”.

The group has recently attracted mainstream media attention from the BBC, Guardian and the Dutch broadcaster NPO. It has also been mentioned in the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry into G4S’ role in the Olympic security shortfall. A journalist from BBC Radio 4’s _The Report_ contacted group members directly for information on their experiences.

Though Wauchope acknowledges that the group’s rapid progress would not be possible without media interest in G4S, he argues the group highlights “a different aspect of the scandal … the thousands promised work and having it denied last minute, too late to find alternative work”.

On the 17 July, G4S announced on their website that they had “undertaken to cover the additional costs relating to the military and police who make good any shortfall in G4S personnel”. Currently, G4S have not released a statement relating to their employment of students.

G4S were recently embroiled in a scandal when it became clear the firm would not be able to supply enough security guards for the Olympic games.

Nick Buckles, G4S Chief Executive, admitted the crisis was a “humiliating shambles” at the Home Affairs Select Committee on 17 July.