RAIL union RMT has accused train operator c2c of leaving outsourced cleaning staff working in filthy and unsafe conditions ahead of the service’s return to public ownership this weekend.

The company hasn’t repaired a washing machine used to clean mops and cloths at the company’s East Ham depot in London, leaving it broken for two months, the union said.

As a result the workers, employed by private contractor Bidvest Noonan, have been forced to wash soiled mops by hand and dry them in bin areas, raising serious hygiene concerns.

Stocks of protective gloves have also run out, leaving only medium sizes that don’t fit the majority of staff – which breaches basic PPE standards and exposes cleaners to chemical burns, infections, and contaminated waste, RMT said.

At the Fenchurch Street break room shared by cleaning, c2c, and security staff, only four of the original eight chairs remain, forcing workers to stand after physically demanding shifts.

RMT regional organiser Kathy Mazur said: “As c2c comes back into public hands this weekend, cleaners working for Bidvest Noonan are still working in privatised conditions that would be unacceptable anywhere else.

“They are handling dirty mops with no gloves, being forced to stand during breaks and cleaning trains with equipment that should have been condemned months ago.

“This is what outsourcing looks like with no accountability, cutting corners and a total disregard for basic safety. Public ownership must mean decent and proper standards.

“That starts with bringing cleaners and all outsourced workers in-house and treating them with the respect they deserve.”

C2C, which operates between London and Essex, will transition from being run by state-owned Italian company Trenitalia to the government’s Operator of Last Resort on Sunday.

All other services run by private companies are due to be renationalised as contracts reach the end of their minimum terms, with full transition by October 2027. Outsourced cleaning contracts are largely set to remain in place, however.

RMT is calling on Labour to implement its manifesto promise to achieve “the biggest wave of insourcing of public services in a generation” and bring workers in-house.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Great British Railways will sweep away decades of failure, ending fragmentation and waste and delivering for passengers, taxpayers and staff – and we will continue working with industry to ensure everyone that works on our network is valued and respected.”

A c2c spokesperson said: “The issue of the failed washing machine at East Ham is being resolved between Bidvest and c2c and in this interim period alternative arrangements have been implemented which ensure that only clean mops are used for cleaning. 

“No Bidvest staff at East Ham depot have been asked to clean the mop heads by hand.

“Provision of PPE for all staff working at the depot is important and we can confirm that there are large quantities of all sizes ranging from XL through to S at East Ham Depot. These gloves, as well as other necessary PPE, are freely available for staff.”

Bidvest Noonan was contacted for comment.