City residents collected money for the janitor's vacation, but his bosses are against it (6 photos)

Paul Spiers, 63, has been cleaning the streets of Beckenham, south-east London, since 2017. Neighbours have raised almost £3,000 for the beloved street cleaner, but it turns out he's not allowed to accept gifts.





According to Lisa Knight, Spiers' friend, he is loved by everyone in the local community and lifts the spirits of those around him with his positive attitude.

When Paul told her he had only been abroad once, to Portugal, and wanted to go again, she organised a fundraiser.



Paul Spears, 63

However, the janitor's employer, Veolia, said strict company rules forbid employees from accepting cash gifts.





Paul and Lisa became friends over their shared love of Elvis Presley

Knight wrote on the gofundme page: "Paul is an integral part of Beckenham and we all love him. Giving him this amazing gift is a way of showing our gratitude for all he does. Let's come together to make a dream come true for someone who truly deserves it."



Gofundme page raises nearly £3,000 for caretaker

Lisa wrote this week: "Unfortunately Paul is unable to accept funds. This is due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia. Under the terms of their contract with Bromley Council, employees are not allowed to accept cash gifts or incentives on top of their salary. We are deeply saddened that this decision deprives Paul of the right to a well-deserved holiday in recognition of his hard work in Beckenham. We have raised our objections with both the Council and Veolia. We will continue to press our case, but please rest assured that if we are unable to achieve the outcome we want, your funds will be returned. Thanks again for your incredible support and participation in the fundraiser."



Paul (left) has only been abroad once, to Portugal

Social media users have criticized the management's decision:

"Give him a trip. You're the one paying for it. The world has gone fucking crazy!!!"

"The money raised is not a bonus or a tip, it's a gift completely unrelated to his job."

"So you can't even give him a fiver for a pint of beer at Christmas? God, how I hate these vile corporations."

"You should never give the money to charity if it was meant for Paul, he should go on holiday. Veolia should reconsider this absolutely senseless decision."

"Maybe give him a gift when he retires? Then he won't have any obligations to Veolia."



A Beckenham street where you can find Paul working to his favourite tunes

Last month, around 100 Veolia workers in Sheffield went on strike. They were angry that their employer was unwilling to negotiate a collective agreement with the Unite union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is simply absurd that a union representing 80% of the workforce cannot negotiate a collective agreement with an employer, especially one with whom it has agreements across the country."