Lockdown reflections - staff stories - Rob MacGregor

Name: Robert MacGregor

Age: 43

Department: Waste

Job title: Waste operative

Years of OIC employment: 2

Duties: I empty waste and recycling bins

How has life changed work wise since lockdown? It’s changed hugely, the waste department now operates out of a completely different building and area in Hatston – this being so we can socially distance ourselves effectively whilst working, we also have our own work bubbles, staggered start/finish, break and lunchtimes. Masks are to be worn inside the building and certain vehicles at all times now too, so there’s a much greater emphasis on health and safety now and there was a lot of that pre-lockdown anyway.

How has life changed personally for you since lockdown? With two of my kids being still at school home schooling has generally taken over our daily routine when my wife and I aren’t at work, we also haven’t been able to see our eldest daughter for over a year now either as she lives south - which has been hard, but I know we’re not the only family in this situation.

How have you found the public’s reaction to changes? Overall, pretty good considering the amount of changes there has been, especially to recycling.

What are you looking forward to most when restrictions end? Visiting family and friends, socialising and playing in my band. With no practices or gigs for my band since last March things were looking pretty grim for a while, but the last few months have at least given me the opportunity get the manufacturing side of our second album sorted and finally get it released.