The warning from Public Health Scotland came as rubbish collectors in Newham, a London borough, also walked out for a week over a dispute over pay. Images of food waste and nappies rotting on the streets add to scenes of chaos in the UK as industrial disputes multiply amid rising food and energy costs. UK bathers were warned last week to stay away from dozens of beaches as heavy rain dumped raw sewage into rivers and seas. Public Health Scotland told local authorities that “public areas where bins have overflowed may need to be disinfected”. He warned that “if organic waste accumulates, it can pose a risk to human health.” Garbage collectors walked out on August 18th and plan to be off the job until August 30th. More strikes will follow if the pay dispute is not resolved. Britain is facing a huge cost of living crisis, with wage rises not keeping pace with inflation, which last week stood at 10.1%. These financial challenges have only increased due to rising energy costs – authorities say residents in Britain will see an 80% increase in their annual energy bills in October. The country has seen waves of strikes this summer, with the public transport system almost at a standstill for several days due to rail strikes. Primary schools and nurseries in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, will be forced to close for several days next month if a strike by council workers goes ahead. In London, rubbish drivers at Newham Council began a week of strikes on Saturday, with union officials warning there could be more. Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, said these workers were being paid less than others in neighboring councils. “The council must now focus on reaching an agreement with the workers, who are facing a financial crisis,” Graham said. “If they don’t, then the next few days will undoubtedly mean more industrial action.” Britain’s image has taken a hit this summer. French MPs in the European Parliament protested this week that raw sewage flowing into rivers and seas from the UK is also threatening bathing waters, fishing grounds and biodiversity in the European Union. Parts of Britain’s sewer system were flooded after several days of unseasonable rainfall.
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