A REDDITCH woman fears she may face disciplinary action by her employer of 11 years – because Diamond Buses can’t get her to work on time.
Belinda Randall, a catering assistant at Halfords in Washford, has been forced to take a taxi to work when the 70 service fails to turn up at her Evesham Road bus stop.
And now the 52-year-old has been issued a warning letter from her employer regarding her time keeping.
“It’s upset me greatly,” Belinda said. “I’ve never had a day off sick in nearly 11 years.”
The Crabbs Cross resident said she aims to arrive at work around 20 minutes before her shift is due to start, at 8am, to allow time to put her hair up and change into her uniform.
“I try to get the 7.09am bus Monday to Friday,” she said. “But last Monday I was forced to get a taxi and this Monday it was just down to sheer luck my partner was passing and was able to drop me to the bus station where I could catch the 57 service.”
After hearing anyone who takes in a valid taxi receipt to the town’s Diamond Bus depot can get a refund, Belinda paid the inspector a visit but is still waiting to hear if she will be reimbursed.
“We are all aware of the complaints about Diamond but this is affecting my personal affairs now,” said Belinda.
Diamond states their company procedure is that any request for a refund should be sent to the company, complete with the ticket or receipt, in writing by letter or email, detailing the nature of the complaint and why a refund is requested.
A Diamond Buses spokesperson said: “After receiving a complaint directly from the customer, we are investigating this matter further.”
