Heathrow worker claims mouse droppings found on plates and in coffee cups

Heathrow workers say they are being forced to take breaks in dirty, overcrowded facilities, amid claims of mice droppings, mould and broken toilets

Heathrow Airport staff have branded their workplace facilities a “disgrace”, with claims of mice droppings, mould, broken toilets and dirty showers.

Unite, the union which represents over 30,000 workers at Heathrow, polled members who work in areas such as security, in catering, cleaning and ground and luggage handling at the London airport’s four terminals.

One of those surveyed said: “I have had mice droppings in my food plates bowl and coffee cup, in my toolbox and tools and on my overalls and boots. I am deeply concerned that it is only a matter of time before myself or a colleague will get seriously ill.”

The survey showed 82 per cent of members had experienced problems with facilities in the last 12 months, with almost a third (30 per cent) alleging it had caused ill health. And 16 per cent of members claimed there were problems with rodents.

The union stated toilets are a “huge concern” among members with 43 per cent of respondents claiming there were not enough toilets, while 61 per cent added that toilets were not clean and well maintained. There are also reports of broken and dirty showers and mould in common areas.

Another worker said: “Our rest area is far too small for the amount of staff using it. It is also cluttered with coats and bags. There is no ventilation and a heating vent that stays warm, even in hot days.”

Over half (59 per cent) of interviewees said there were not enough break facilities and 57 per cent said these were not clean and well maintained, leaving workers “crowded together” or “unable to take proper breaks”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The situation with staff facilities at Heathrow is a disgrace. No worker should risk their health because their employer is forcing them to take rest breaks in dirty areas or denied breaks as areas are too crowded.

“HAL ( Heathrow Airport Ltd) can more than afford to bring in meaningful, long overdue changes to facilities. It is high time HAL made this a priority and Unite will ensure this happens.”

Unite is calling on the airport to undertake a review of all staff facilities and cleaning standards, and establish “clear lines of accountability” for their maintenance.

The union is further demanding that Heathrow takes “immediate action” to repair facilities and carry out deep cleaning, as well as look for unused available space within the terminals that could be used for staff.

In a response issued to The Telegraph, a Heathrow Airport spokesman said: “We take the cleanliness of the airport incredibly seriously and have teams working day and night to keep Heathrow clean.

“While we don’t recognise the extent of the claims in this poll, we will always investigate and deal with reports of pests.”

MyLondon has approached Heathrow Airport independently for comment.

Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.