BINMEN in west Wiltshire will have a new employer next year if a tender from refuse firm Cleanaway is accepted.

West Wiltshire District Council has named the firm as the preferred bidder to take over its contract to collect all household waste in the district from next year.

Cleanaway, which was one of three shortlisted commercial operators, is now negotiating with the council before the final decision is made in January.

The firm's proposal was not only within the council's budget for the refuse collection service, but contained enhancements, including plans to clear fly tipping.

About 40 refuse collectors, and four management and administration staff will transfer to Cleanaway, without any job losses, if the plan goes ahead.

Frank Minal, southern regional organiser with the GMB union, which represents the staff, said: "We were saddened by the decision to externalise this service. However we have had good relations with Cleanaway in the past and found them to be a good organisation to negotiate with.

"We are very pleased that the council agreed to include changes to staff terms and conditions prior to externalisation, which will assist our members.

"We will be entering into dialogue with Cleanaway in the near future."

Staff employed on the old local government manual terms and conditions will be placed on the same 'single status' conditions as those in non-manual jobs, which will mean a reduction in their working week from 39 to 37 hours.

The company will also take over the council's vehicle fleet and will continue to operate out of the Riverway Depot in Trowbridge.

The service was put out to competitive tender after a best value review last year concluded there was an active marketplace in waste collection and tenders should be invited.

Cllr Horace Prickett, the council's cabinet portfolio holder for service delivery, said: "If we can conclude arrangements with Cleanaway this will represent an excellent deal for the people of West Wiltshire and for the refuse collection staff.

"It is well known that we have had difficulty providing a consistent waste collection service in the recent past.

"This contract is a good example of a public/private partnership approach, and holds the promise of lower costs and higher quality."

Cleanaway Ltd is one of the biggest commercial waste specialists in the UK and has been contracted to neighbouring Mendip District Council since 1983.