Safety fears for Games staff

A student who seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the Olympic Games says the experience has turned into a nightmare.

Scott Davis, 19, of Southfield, Balderton, has been caught up in the shambolic G4S security operation in London.

His parents say they are concerned for his safety after he had to patrol the perimeter of a carpark on his own at night because of a staff shortage.

Legionella bacteria, which can lead to potentially fatal Legionnaire’s Disease, has been detected in the accommodation provided by G4S in London — a Spanish cruise ship where Scott has been staying since Monday of last week.

“It’s all been an absolute disaster,” he said.

Scott, a Newark College student, signed up to the Bridging the Gap programme, which offered students “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” paid security work at London 2012.

More than 100 students at Lincoln and Newark College met the requirements set out by G4S to work at the Games, but many have reported issues with the company.

That has prompted the college principal, Mr John Allen, to write an official letter of complaint to the chief executive of G4S, Mr Nick Buckles.

Mr Allen said: “We are extremely disappointed on behalf of our students that what should have been the chance of a lifetime for many looks unlikely to materialise.”

Last month Mr Buckles admitted to MPs the Olympic security contract had turned into “a humiliating shambles” with thousands of military personnel brought in to meet the shortfall in security staff recruited by G4S.

For Scott, the issues began with training arranged at very short notice.

After being accepted on the programme he was left in limbo, along with other students, waiting to hear when he would be deployed.

He finally received a train ticket to the capital but after setting off, his mother, Cherryl Davis, received an email saying there was no accommodation for him.

A shared room was eventually arranged on the cruise ship at the Albert Docks.

The Health Protection Agency issued a letter to those staying on the ship informing them legionella bacteria had been detected during routine examinations of shower heads on board.

The letter, seen by the Advertiser, says the risk to crew and guests is low, but it advises against using the ship’s water supply to drink or brush teeth. Bottled water has been provided.

Scott’s first shift was not until Saturday — a 121/2-hour night patrol on the perimeter of the North Greenwich Arena carpark. The venue is hosting gymnastics, trampolining and basketball.

He said he did not get a proper briefing and radios were taken from him and a colleague with two hours of their shift remaining so they could be re-charged for the following day.

He had to work 45 minutes overtime because the relief shift was late.

On Sunday night, he had to cover on his own a duty done by two men during the day because 55 staff had not turned up for work.

Scott said he felt vulnerable patrolling on his own.

He said he did not feel like he was part of the Olympics, but planned to stay in London and work the rest of his shifts.

“It is disappointing when people treat you like dirt,” he said.

His father, Mr Keith Wyithe, said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get involved in the Olympics and to earn a bit of money.

“It has just turned into a nightmare. We are concerned for his safety.”

Cherryl Davis has contacted the Mayor of London, Mr Boris Johnson, and the MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, about her son’s experience after difficulties getting in touch with G4S.

“As parents we are extremely concerned about the total failing of Bridging the Gap in their duty of care to ensure not only the health and safety of these young adults but their basic human right to go to the toilet when they want to,” she said.

Mr Mercer said: “I shall be writing in the strongest possible terms to G4S to seek clarification and compensation for this man.”

A spokesman for G4S said: “As reported recently, we have encountered difficulties in processing applicants to work on the Olympics. While we aren’t able comment on individual cases, we are sorry that some employees have experienced difficulties through this process.

“We are working flat out to resolve the remaining difficulties as swiftly as possible so our staff can continue to play their part, alongside the military and the police, in delivering a safe and secure Games.”